BOSTON – After putting together its most successful season in nearly a decade, the Suffolk women's soccer team secured the fourth seed in the upcoming GNAC Tournament, the league office announced Wednesday evening.
The Rams sealed the fourth spot after going 8-4 against conference counterparts. Suffolk, who will host a league tournament game for the first time since 2010 and second time overall, when it entertains fifth-seeded Lasell in the Quarterfinals Saturday, Nov. 2. Kick-off at East Boston Memorial Park's James A. Sartori Stadium is set for 12 p.m.
Suffolk makes its eighth trip in the conference tournament in the program's 13-year history and first in the Ashley Van Vechten era thanks to its 8-4 league ledger, its second-best showing in conference play in program history behind the 2010 squad that went 10-2 versus GNAC rivals. Overall, the blue-and-gold compiled a 10-5 record, marking the first 10-win season since 2016 and fourth in program history.
Lasell, who was shutout by Suffolk, 2-0, in the regular-season outing Oct. 9, has gone 4-2 over the rest of the regular season to take the fifth seed. The Lasers are the most decorated team in the league with eight consecutive crowns from 2010-17.
Suffolk and Lasell are familiar foes in the conference tournament with Saturday's showdown marking the seventh meeting, fifth in the quarterfinals with the remaining pair coming in the championship contest. The Lasers have displaced the Rams in every post-season meeting thus far.
The Rams, who will enter the field as the fourth seed for the first time, has compiled a 3-4 record in the quarterfinals in its seven trips all-time. The blue-and-gold look to advance to the semis for the first time since 2016 and fourth time overall.
2019 GNAC WOMEN'S SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Quarterfinals – Saturday, Nov. 2
Game 1: #8 Regis at #1 Johnson & Wales – 4 p.m.
Game 2: #5 Lasell at #4 Suffolk – 12 p.m.
Game 3: #6 Albertus Magnus at #3 Emmanuel – TBD
Game 4: #7 Saint Joseph (Conn.) at #2 Saint Joseph's (Maine) – TBD
Semifinals – Tuesday, Nov. 5 (to be played at highest remaining seeds)
Game 5: Winner of 2 vs. Winner of Game 1
Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4
Championship – Saturday, Nov. 9 (at highest remaining seed)
Game 7: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6