Women’s Soccer’s GNAC, Home Opener Features Albertus Magnus Saturday

BOSTON – Suffolk women's soccer opents the GNAC and home portion of its 2017 slate Saturday afterrnoon as the Rams entertain Albertus Magnus at James A. Sartori Stadium at East Boston Memorial Park. First kick is set for 1 p.m.       

SOCIALIZE
Stay up-to-date with all the latest news and notes on Suffolk Athletics by connecting with the Rams on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Be sure to use the hashtag #RamNation for an insider's look at Suffolk's teams and student-athletes.

LAST TIME OUT
With less than one minute remaining in regulation and overtime looming with a 1-1 ball game, Paola Ortez used a free kick from 25-yards out to score the winning goal, lifting the Suffolk women's soccer team to a 2-1 season opening victory over Rhode Island College at RIC Soccer Stadium Sunday afternoon. 

MORE READING: Ortez Lifts Women's Soccer to 2-1 Win in Season Debut at RIC

RAMS RUNDOWN
Suffolk, who is 1-0 for the first time under three-year head coach Darren Lloyd and since 2014, has netted two goals this season. Paola Ortez put away the game-winner, the first of her career, while Alexandra Nagri opened the scoring in 2017. Erika Nelson also collected one point in the season debut, assisting on Nagri's marker. 

In net, Kirsten Weiker turned away eight attempts to carry a .889 save percentage and a 1.00 goals against average into Saturday's showdown.

FALCONS FACTS
After opening 2017 with a 2-1 win at Elms, Albertus Magnus dropped a 6-1 decision to Mount Holyoke to sit at 1-1 on the season. 

Sophia Austin is the offensive force for the Falcons as the freshman has notched five points on two goals and one handout. Kerrigan Loughman owns one marker, while Alexya Alves and Angelina Piccirillo round out the players with points as the seniors each dished out one assist. 

Albertus Magnus has called upon Lexie Fenn in net this season. The junior boasts a 3.50 goals against average and a .667 save percentage with a 1-1 ledger.

INSIDE THE SERIES

• Saturday marks the 13th meeting between the Rams and Falcons with Suffolk trailing the all-time series, 4-7-1.
• Albertus Magnus has taken the last six meetings.
• The blue-and-gold's last victory over its conference counterpart came in 1-0 fashion in 2011.
• Overall, nine of the 12 meetings have been decided by a shutout.
• Each of Suffolk's four victories have come by cleansheet decision.
• The Rams look for their first win over the Falcons in the Darren Lloyd era.

EYES ON THE GAME

GNAC GATES

• Suffolk won its first-ever GNAC opener last season with a 5-0 triumph over Anna Maria.
• The Rams will open its conference slate versus Albertus Magnus for the first time.
• Overall, seven of Suffolk's 11 league openers have been played on the Rams' home field.
• Suffolk looks to improve on its 1-1 mark in GNAC openers under Darren Lloyd.

HOME OPENER

• Suffolk owns a 4-6 home opening record.
• When the Rams home and conference opener are one and the same, the Rams are 1-2.
• The blue-and-gold looks to snap a two-game, home opening skid Saturday afternoon.
• Suffolk looks to win its first home opener under Darren Lloyd.

HEROF THE WEEK
Paola Ortez of the Suffolk women's soccer team has been named a nominee for HeroSports.com DIII Women's Soccer HERO of the Week thanks to her game-winner in the season opener at Rhode Island College Sept. 4. To vote for Ortez, click here.

MORE READING: Ortez Nominated for DIII HERO of the Week

SUFFOLK FREE RADIO
Suffolk Athletics has teamed up with Suffolk Free Radio to bring Ram Nation 17 live broadcasts of Suffolk soccer games this season. 

The pre-game shows are set to launch 15 minutes prior to kick-off of all contests and fans can follow along at mixlr.com/suffolkfreeradio/.  

COMING UP
Suffolk is back on the road as the Rams visit Lesley Thursday, Sept. 14. Game time under the lights of Edwards Field is set for 8 p.m.