NORTON, Mass. – Despite Michael Zapatka's hat trick performance, the Rivier men's lacrosse team was defeated by Wheaton (Mass.), 11-5, in a non-conference contest on Tuesday night at Nordin Field.
The Raiders dipped to .500 on the season, sitting 6-6, as the Lyons moved to 8-4.
After a strong start by the home team, the Raiders trailed 7-2 at half-time. Sawyer Hall and Michael Zapatka were each able to find the back of the net in the opening 30 minutes.
In the third, Zapatka would score two goals within a minute of each other to bring the Raiders within four. However, Wheaton responded with three unanswered goals to end the period, extending their lead to 11-4.
Jeffrey Potter would register the lone goal of the fourth quarter mid-way through the frame.
Next up, the Raiders will travel north to Henniker for a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) clash against New England Col. on Saturday, April 13 with the opening draw set for 4:00 p.m. at Don Melander Field.
