RINDGE, N.H. – The fourth-seeded Saint Anselm College women's soccer team saw its 2026 season come to a close on Thursday evening, falling to top-seeded Franklin Pierce University, 2-1, in the Northeast 10 Conference Championship semifinals at Sodexo Field.
The Hawks conclude their season with a 9-7-1 overall record after advancing to the NE10 semifinals for the second consecutive season. Despite trailing by two goals in the second half, Saint Anselm mounted a late comeback effort, highlighted by a goal from junior Abigail Wilder in the 86th minute that brought the Hawks within one.
Highlights
- Wilder netted her first goal of the season in the 86th minute, finishing a rebound off a free kick to cut the deficit to one.
- Junior goalkeeper Samantha Swidorski recorded four saves across 90 minutes of action.
- Freshman Bianca Maciel led the Hawks with three shots, including one on goal.
- Saint Anselm registered seven of its eight shots in the second half, including four on goal.
- Franklin Pierce held an 18-8 advantage in shots, while the Hawks placed five of their eight attempts on target.
How It Happened
Franklin Pierce opened the scoring in the 15th minute when McKenna Maguire received a long ball from Vanessa Praher over the Saint Anselm defense and tapped it past Swidorski to give the Ravens a 1-0 advantage.
The Ravens continued to apply pressure throughout the opening half, recording 11 shots while holding Saint Anselm to just one attempt. Swidorski made several key stops to keep the Hawks within striking distance heading into halftime.
Franklin Pierce doubled its lead in the 57th minute following a free kick that eventually deflected into the net, with Kenzie Longmuir credited with the goal to make it 2-0.
Saint Anselm responded with increased offensive pressure, generating multiple scoring opportunities throughout the second half. Junior Nicole Schneider and junior Amarys Jimenez each put shots on target in the 72nd and 75th minutes, respectively, but Franklin Pierce goalkeeper Jess LaCroix turned away both attempts.
The Hawks continued to push forward in the closing minutes, earning a free kick on the right side of the field. Junior Catherine McCarthy delivered a ball toward the net that forced LaCroix to make a save, allowing Wilder to collect the rebound and finish in the 86th minute to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Despite the late momentum, Saint Anselm was unable to find the equalizer as Franklin Pierce held on to advance to the NE10 Championship final.
Up Next
Saint Anselm concludes its 2026 campaign with a 9-7-1 overall record, having reached the Northeast 10 Conference Championship semifinals for the third straight season.
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