The Chargers opened play at home Saturday afternoon securing a 16-11 victory over their first Northeast-10 rival: the Franklin Pierce Ravens.

How it Happened
The Chargers dominated the scoreboard to start the first quarter, outscoring the Ravens 4-1. Annie Acquavita (Cheshire, Conn./Cheshire), Reagan Bailey, and Marina Skelly (Ronkonkoma, N.Y./Connetquot) each contributed to New Haven's initial lead. With 1:43 to go in the first quarter of action, Franklin Pierce made their way on the scoreboard as Katelyn Hadden slipped one past Gabby Buscemi (East Patchogue, N.Y./Patchogue-Medford). 

The second quarter remained scoreless until Franklin Pierce scored their second goal, and eventually a third, both without an assist. The Ravens trailed by one going into the half. 

At this point, Skelly had half of New Haven's goals. She finished the afternoon with a total of four. She scored without an assist at the start of the third quarter, which was the first of six goals the Chargers would go on to score in the third portion of the game. Acquavita and Bailey also scored two goals each in this period, as well as a lone goal from Cameryn Antler (Hebron, Conn./Mercy). 

Going into the final 15 minutes of play, New Haven took the lead 10-6. Franklin Pierce got within three goals of tying with 4:34 remaining. That was quickly answered by Acquavita, Cypress Levitt (Calais, Vt./Montpelier), and Antler who went on to score three goals in a matter of two minutes. New Haven was up by six before Olivia DeLonais of the Ravens scored with only two seconds on the clock. 

Inside the Box Score 

• Annie Acquavita (Cheshire, Conn./Cheshire) scored a total of five goals, leading the Chargers. Marina Skelly (Ronkonkoma, N.Y./Connetquot) accounted for four, while Reagan Bailey and Cameryn Antler (Hebron, Conn./Mercy) each added three. Cypress Levitt (Calais, Vt./Montpelier) had a lone goal, and also an assist. 
• Antler's three goals is a career high. She scored two against Holy Family in the 2020 season. 
• Acquavita, Antler, and Bailey each scored off free position shots. 
• Franklin Pierce out shot the Chargers 31-28. 
• Gabby Buscemi (East Patchogue, N.Y./Patchogue-Medford) had a career-high 18 saves in front of the net. 

What's Next 
The Chargers continue conference play at home under the lights, as the Blue and Gold return to Kathy Zolad Stadium Tuesday evening. That contest is slated for a 7:00 p.m. start on March 22.