LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – The No. 5 seed Niagara Purple Eagles fell to defending MAAC champions fourth-seeded Rider, 4-1, in the 2015 MAAC Championship First Round on Saturday night.

"I'm so proud of this group as they fought hard tonight, but we just didn't have enough," head coach Peter Veltri said. "Credit needs to go to our opponent. The past month has been rough with all the injuries and tonight it took a toll on us."

The first half was evenly played with both teams creating a couple of chances. A late Rider (10-6-1) goal gave the Broncs a 1-0 lead at halftime.  Rider broke through in the 45th minute. The Broncs created a turnover in Niagara's defensive half and Caroline Healy played a ball to Alanna McDougall at the top of the box whose far post shot found the corner of the net.

Nine minutes into the second half, the Purple Eagles (8-8-2) found themselves a player down. Hayley Besaw received her second yellow card which led to her ejection from the game on a foul called inside of the box. Heather Maierle converted the penalty kick to give Rider a 2-0 lead.

Over the next 10 minutes, the Purple Eagles had the better of play despite being a player down. Niagara was rewarded for its play with a goal in the 64th minute. Kori Thorne received a pass from Laura Ortiz off a throw-in and unleashed a shot outside of the box into the top left corner of the net to cut the lead to 2-1.

Rider regained its two-goal advantage in the 74th minute when Pricilla Santos finished on a pass from Ellie Smith and the Broncs made it 4-1 on a goal in the 77th minute on a header from Victoria Maley. NU had scoring opportunities in the 79th minute when Haillie Price's close range effort went above the crossbar and in the 82nd on a shot by Ortiz which went wide.

Tonight was the final match for seniors Claire Feiertag, Hayley Besaw, Hallie Price, Bianca Marrara and Jami Petersen.

"This group of seniors is going to be missed," Veltri said. "They are great players, but even better people. We have some big holes to fill. I wish them only the best."
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