FRANKLIN, Mass.- A game-tying goal from sophomore Kacie Consolini (Stafford Springs, Conn.) pulled the Bulldogs even early in the second half, but the visiting Rivier Raiders responded to take a 2-1 victory in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) women's soccer action at Grant Field on Tuesday. Dean drops to 2-7-1 (1-6-1 GNAC) with the loss, while Rivier improves to 6-3-2 (6-0-1 GNAC). 

The visitors struck first, scoring in the 40th minute when Hannah Smith buried her second goal of the season, assisted by Elisabeth Jacob, and Nadia Laxa. At the halftime break, the score remained 1-0. Senior Haley Gaunt (Johnston, R.I.) was largely responsible for keeping the score at one, making ten first- half saves to keep the visitors from increasing their advantage.

Consolini's goal came four minutes into the second frame. Senior Lisette Ayala glided up the left sideline, playing a cross into the box for Consolini with a defender on her back. Consolini one-timed the cross into the upper corner, far past the outreached hands of the Raider keeper to tie the score. The goal was her first of the season and second of her career. Her four points on the season are tied for third best on the team. Ayala's assist, her first of the season, added to her team best nine points on the year. 

Rivier responded in the 78th minute, scoring the game winning goal off the foot of Emily Harper, assisted by Julia Acampora. 

The Raiders outshot the Bulldogs to 25-10 and held a 7-1 edge in corner kicks. Gaunt finished with 14 saves. Ayala had four shots in addition to her assist, while senior captain Nina Medeiros (Fairhaven, Mass.) added three shots (two on goal). 

Dean is back in action on Saturday when the Bulldogs host Simmons University for Senior day at 1 p.m.