RINDGE, N.H. – The Franklin Pierce University women's soccer team came up just short in the Northeast-10 Conference Championship on Sunday afternoon, falling to Bentley University, 2-1, at Sodexo Field. Despite taking a 1-0 lead into halftime, the Ravens were unable to hold off a second-half comeback by the Falcons.
With the loss, Franklin Pierce moves to 14-3-1 overall, while Bentley improves to 15-1-3 and claims the NE10 Championship.
The Ravens controlled much of the opening half, outshooting Bentley 9-0 through the first 45 minutes. Franklin Pierce broke through with just 34 seconds remaining before halftime when Kaitlyn Bautista scored her third goal of the season off an assist from McKenna Maguire, giving the Ravens a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
Bentley responded quickly in the second half, evening the score at 1-1 in the 48th minute on a goal from McKay Pratt, assisted by Olivia Matthews. The Falcons then took the lead in the 65th minute when Cami Ayandele found the back of the net for the eventual game-winner.
Franklin Pierce continued to apply pressure throughout the second half, recording nine additional shots, but was unable to find the equalizer.
The Ravens finished with an 18-7 advantage in total shots. Brigid Moore and Maguire led Franklin Pierce with three shots apiece, while Bautista, Camille Berenguer and Aino Martikainen each recorded two. Goalkeeper Jess LaCroix finished with one save.
Despite Sunday's setback, Franklin Pierce put together an impressive conference campaign, capturing the NE10 regular-season championship and finishing undefeated in regular-season conference play.
Up Next: Franklin Pierce will await the announcement of the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship field on Monday night.
