BOSTON - Emmanuel women's soccer maintained its unbeaten record in conference play, coming away with a 3-1 victory over the Rivier Raiders on Saturday afternoon in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action from Clemente Field. The win moves the Saints to 6-2-2 (5-0-1 GNAC) while the loss drops Rivier out of a first-place tie at the top of the table, as they go to 5-4-2 (4-1-1 GNAC) this season.

The game's opening tally needed just over a minute to occur, as senior Maya Daryanani took advantage of a loose ball in the penalty area. After a missed clearance by Rivier, Daryanani took a bouncing ball and lofted a right-footed shot over the Raiders goalie, finding the back of the net, giving the Saints a 1-0 lead.

The connection of senior Liz McCormick and junior Ciara Horan combined for the next two goals in very similar fashion, both coming off corner kicks.

In the 26th minute, a cross from McCormick was picked out of the air by the foot of Horan and into the right-side netting. In the final minute with just seconds remaining, McCormick again crossed in a corner that Horan shot home. As the ball bounced in the penalty area, Horan reacted quickly, striking a shot off the crossbar and in, lifting the Saints to a 3-0 lead at the break. 

The visitors found their only goal in the 85th minute, recording their first goal at Clemente since 2014. A free kick opportunity at the top of the Saints penalty area was struck toward goal by sophomore Leah Morrier. Although her attempt was blocked, the resulting rebound found the foot of graduate Samantha Franks, who fired the ball in from five yards out, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

In the prior six meetings at Clemente Field, since the last time the Raiders scored on the road against Emmanuel, the Saints outscored Rivier 27-0.

Horan's pair of tallies gives her three on the season, while the pair of McCormick assists gives her a team-high four through the opening 10 games. Sophomore Teigan Robie again earned the win for the Saints, improving to 6-2-2 on the year,

The Saints are back to Clemente on Monday, Oct. 6, hosting the No. 23-ranked Amherst Mammoths, in the final non-conference match of the year for Emmanuel. Kickoff for Monday's match is set for 7:00 p.m.