Rindge, N.H. — Head coach Brooke DeRosa and the Adelphi women's soccer team returned to the field on Saturday afternoon for a highly anticipated rematch of the 2024 Northeast 10 championship game with Franklin Pierce.  

The first few minutes saw offensive chances from both teams with shots missing high on each side. It did not take long for the Ravens to figure out their offense as they took a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute. 

Adelphi responded quickly, however. The Panthers immediately stretched the field and earned a corner kick just four minutes leader. The country's leader in assists Madison Apicella adedd her tenth helper of the season after swinging a cross into the box that went off of Julia DeMicco then find the foot of Crystal Knoell who tied the game up from point blank range. 

There was not another shot for the next ten minutes when a Kayleigh Goodrich attempt was saved by the Franklin Pierce keeper. Adelphi seemed to be in control of possession, outshooting the Ravens six to two in the first half but no shots were able to find twine. Goodrich had another attempt with seconds remaining in the half but it sailed high as the foes went into the break tied at one. 

Much like the first half, the second saw early chances for both teams, but the defenses stayed true and did not allow the go ahead goal. 

As time ticked off the clock, Franklin Pierce began to control the flow of the game and eventually took the lead in the 62nd minute. A nifty cross cut through the Adelphi defense and Claudia Peirce's shot clanked off of the right post and into the back of the net. 

Now playing catch up, the Panthers tried to push the tempo with Apicella, Goodrich and Kara DeBlaiso. The Ravens made a handful of substitutions and they seemed to work as the Adelphi attack was stifled. 

In the 78th minute a Panther free kick turned into a chance for the home team. Franklin Pierce sprinted down the field for an initial shot that missed high. The Ravens then received the free ball on a goal kick and capitalized, getting the ball into the box and scoring their third goal for a 3-1 lead. 

Adelphi turned the pressure up and got back within one on a DeBlaiso goal but time was not on their side. DeMicco and Apicella had chances to tie the game up but the chances sailed wide as Adelphi fell 3-2. 

The Panthers will return home to Motamed Field on Tuesday at 7 p.m. for a conference matchup with Assumption.