Women’s Soccer Welcomes Regis for GNAC Opener Saturday

BOSTON – In the midst of its homestand, the Suffolk women's soccer team pulls the curtains back on its conference calendar as the Rams entertain Regis in their GNAC opener Saturday, Sept. 8 at James A. Sartori Stadium at East Boston Memorial Park. First kick is at 3 p.m.

SOCIALIZE
Stay up-to-date with all the latest news and notes on Suffolk Athletics by connecting with the Rams on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Be sure to use the hashtag #RamNation for an insider's look at Suffolk's teams and student-athletes.

LAST TIME OUT
In its home opener Saturday afternoon, the Suffolk women's soccer team dropped a 4-1 decision to Rhode Island College at James A. Sartori Stadium at East Boston Memorial Park.

MORE READING: Women's Soccer Falls to Rhode Island College, 4-1

RAMS RUNDOWN
Suffolk looks to crack a spot in the win column after going 0-2 opening weekend with setbacks to Lesley (6-1) and Rhode Island College (4-1). 

Both of the Rams goals came thanks to unassisted strikes from sophomore Caleigh O'Brien. 

In net, junior Julia Fieldsend and rookie Allison Rodrigues have split action. Fieldsend has started the pair of outings and has maintained net minding responsibilities over the first 45 minutes, while Rodrigues has backed up the junior over the second set of 45. Rodrigues posts a slim edge in save percentage at .688 with Fieldsend clocking in at .667. Both of the Rams' keepers bring in a 5.00 goals against average.

GNAC GATES

• Suffolk looks to return back to the win column in GNAC openers after falling to Albertus Magnus, 4-0, in its first league outing a year ago.
• Since 2007, Suffolk is 1-11 in GNAC openers.
• The Rams will open their conference slate versus Regis for the first time.
• Overall, eight of Suffolk's 11 league openers have been played on the Rams' home field.
• Suffolk has needed extra time to decide a victor in the first GNAC game of a campaign. That contest came to lift the lid on the league ledger in 2009 when the Rams slipped to Lasell, 1-0.

DOUBLEFEATURE
For the first of four times this season, the Suffolk men's and women's soccer teams will compete on the same day in front of its home crowd. The women's game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m., following the men's soccer's matinee versus Rivier at noon.

PRIDE PROWL
Regis is three games into 2018 and has sandwiched two wins around one setback to bring in a 2-1 overall record into Saturday's showdown. The Pride defeated Maine Farmington (3-2) and Eastern Nazarene (3-1), but were shutout by Emerson (5-0). 

The Pride has put away six goals over its trio of contests with Kaylee Francis and Payton Fitzgerald each responsible for two. Noelle Garcia and Rachel Kelly have etched their names in Regis' scorebook as well this season with one marker apiece, while Francis and Erin Filetti account for both of the Pride's assists with one each. 

Both goalies on roster have seen time in between the pipes for the Pride. Angie Caldwell boasts a .667 save percentage and a 2.50 goals against average, while Oriana Attridge holds a .625 save percentage and a 3.00 goals against average.

INSIDE THE SERIES

• In one of the newer series in Suffolk history, Regis and the Rams became foes in 2015.
• The blue-and-gold has sandwiched wins around one lost to sit 2-1 against the Pride all-time.
• Last season, O'Brien forced overtime with the tying goal with 41 seconds left on the clock in regulation before lifting Suffolk to a 3-2 OT win with a game-winner 37 seconds into the extra session.

EYES ON THE GAME

LOOKING AHEAD
Suffolk remains at home and is back in action Wednesday, Sept. 12 when Anna Maria stops by for a midweek match. First kick will be under the lights in Eastie at 7 p.m.