FRANKLIN, Mass. – Hat tricks from first-year Aiden Conley and graduate student Coby Mercier propelled the Rivier men's lacrosse team past Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) rivals, Dean, by a final of 14-9 in a GNAC Semifinals rematch Saturday afternoon at Grant Field.

With the win, the Raiders increased their winning streak to six games and improved to 8-1 (4-0 GNAC). The Bulldogs fell to 8-2 (2-2 GNAC).

Conley opened the contest's scoring with two unassisted goals over the course of 4:57, giving Rivier the early lead. Senior Michael Zapatka followed up with an unassisted tally to put the Raiders out in front, 3-0. Dean recorded its first goal of the contest at the 7:50 mark of the first quarter however, back-to-back goals from graduate student Michael Ference and senior Chris Heitmiller gave Rivier a 5-1 advantage. The Bulldogs answered with their second goal of the opening frame to bring them within four goals. As time was expiring Conley secured his first collegiate hat trick to once again give Rivier a four-goal advantage.

Both squads traded scoring possessions to begin the second quarter. Mercier secured his first goal of the game on a dish from Conley just 3:05 into the second quarter. Dean countered with a goal of their own just 45 seconds later to cut the Raiders' lead to 7-3. Zapatka logged his second tally of the contest on a feed from junior Sean Callinan to regain a five-goal lead. The Bulldogs found twine for their second in the quarter just before graduate student Connor Eck and Heitmiller contributed two more goals, giving Rivier a 10-4 advantage heading into halftime.

The Raiders struck first once again in the third quarter, with Mercier logging his second goal of the day at the 12:14 mark of the third. Dean recorded its fifth goal of the game at the 10:05 mark to bring them within six goals. Mercier secured his hat trick off a pass from Zapatka with just 3:13 remaining in the third quarter. The Bulldogs potted their sixth goal of the contest with just 28 seconds remaining in the quarter.

Dean continued to build some momentum off the back of its late third-quarter goal, scoring two quick tallies to begin the fourth quarter. The Raiders answered with goals from Ference and Eck to give Rivier a 14-8 advantage. Dean scored one final goal with 13 seconds left in the game, bringing the contest to a close with Rivier securing the victory, 14-9.

Graduate student Sawyer Gagnon posted 14 saves in the win. Mercier led the offensive effort for the Raiders, earning six points on three goals and three assists. Heitmiller followed closely behind with five points, coming on two goals and an three assists. Junior Owen McDuffie contributed 11 ground balls and won 15 face-offs, both of which were game highs.

As a team, Rivier led in clears with 22, faceoffs with 15, and slightly edged Dean in ground balls, 26-25.

The Raiders look to keep the unbeaten GNAC streak alive with a matchup versus Saint Joseph's (Me.) on Wednesday, April 5. Face-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Joanne Merrill Field.