MANCHESTER, N.H. (11/16/25) - In a dramatic conference title showdown, the Franklin Pierce women's soccer team battled the #20 nationally ranked Saint Anselm Hawks to a 1-1 draw through 110 minutes of championship play before falling 4-3 in penalty kicks in the NE10 Final on Sunday afternoon at Melucci Field.
Score: Franklin Pierce 1, Saint Anselm 1 (L by PKs, 3-4)
Records: Franklin Pierce (13-2-5, 6-1-2), Saint Anselm (10-2-5, 7-0-2)
Location: Melucci Field, Manchester, New Hampshire
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After a tight 80 minutes of back-and-forth action, the match swung wildly in the final minutes of regulation. Saint Anselm broke through first in the 84th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box as Madison Botta finished a feed from Amarys Jimenez to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead.
- Just 64 seconds later, the Ravens punched back. Olivia Crespo sent a cross to Makenzie Shean, who buried her eighth goal of the season to immediately level the match at 1-1 and send the Franklin Pierce sideline roaring.
- Both sides pressed for a winner through the final moments of regulation and into two overtime periods. Saint Anselm generated the better chances late—outshooting FPU 7-0 in double overtime—but goalkeeper Ryan Rosario stood tall, finishing with 10 saves to force penalties.
- In the shootout, the Ravens converted their first two attempts and later tied it 3-3 thanks to makes from Shean and Mari Heiskanen. However, Saint Anselm ultimately prevailed 4-3 after the fifth round, capturing the 2025 NE10 Championship despite the official 1-1 draw.
BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS
- Franklin Pierce was out shot by Saint Anselm 17-24 and held an 8-10 deficit in corners.
- Ryan Rosario made 10 saves in net.
UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The Ravens will await the results of the NCAA Selection Show. The championship bracket will be revealed during a selection show on Monday, Nov. 17, live-streamed on NCAA.com at 6:30 p.m. ET.
