REGIS DROPS 2-1 DECISION TO SUFFOLK

WESTON, Mass. – Sophomore midfielder Jessica Harmon (Huntington Beach, Calif.) scored the difference maker in the first half as the Suffolk University Rams defeated the Regis College women's soccer team in a scrappy contest on Thursday evening at Regis Stadium. The victory was the Rams first of the season, improves their record to 1-5-0 on the campaign and with the loss the Pride remain winless at 0-4-1.

The goal was Harmon's second of the season as she tied teammate Alexandra Nagri (Salem, N.H.) for the team lead. She buried a loose ball as sophomore forward Paolo Ortez's (Revere, Mass.) initial shot was blocked by Pride defender Caileigh Darragh (Florence, Mass.). Harmon then corralled the ball and sniped it in the bottom left of the net.

Overall, there were 22 fouls in the contest as both teams played the ball aggressively.

Suffolk had the first chance to score in the contest as Jennifer Martin (Higganum, Conn.) received the ball in the Pride defensive zone, but her shot attempt was wide of the mark. Regis had the next three chances in the contest as the Pride drove the ball down the field and set up shop down the other end of the field. Michaela Bouvette (Mattapoisett, Mass.) had the first chance as her shot sailed wide. After a foul by Suffolk, Shannon Cafua (Watertown, Mass,) had her point blank shot saved by Rams goaltender Kirsten Weiker (Durham, N.H.). Chelsea Browne (Watertown, N.Y.) had one more chance to open up the scoring, but she was stifled by Weiker as Suffolk cleared the zone.

The Rams almost broke through in the 13th minute after freshman defender Lauren Markin (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) crossed the rock into the box. The ball was bobbled around then put on net and turned away by Pride goalie Rachel Gagnon (Ashford, Conn.) who lost the ball initially, but a Suffolk foul cleared the ball out of danger.

Regis had another chance as freshman defender Jenna Novio (Rockland, Mass.) took a free kick from outside the Rams zone. She rifled the ball towards the net, but the shot attempt sailed high over the net.

The Rams finally scored during the 29th minute as Jennifer Martin streaked down the left side of the Pride defense, made her way to the middle of the box and buried her shot attempt high past a leaping Gagnon. 13 minutes later, Suffolk added insurance with Harmon's goal to give the Rams a 2-0 advantage heading into the break.

The Crimson and Gold cut the Rams lead to one during the 69th minute after a handball was called in the box. Sophomore defender Chelsea Browne (Watertown, N.Y.) took the penalty shot and buried it past the keeper in the center of the net.

Regis had one final chance to knot up the score a few minutes later as Michaela Bouvette received a free kick from Jenna Novio. Bouvette settled the ball and ripped a shot attempt that flew high above the net. This was the last chance for the Pride as they couldn't generate any more offense in the remaining minutes.

Kirsten Weiker earned her first victory of the season for Suffolk as she made five saves in the victory. Rachel Gagnon remains winless after stopping three shots.

The Pride continue their home stand on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Anna Maria to campus for a 1:30 p.m. contest with the AMCATS.