BOSTON, Mass. – The Rivier men's lacrosse team capped off a perfect regular season with a 13-6 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) victory over Emmanuel (Mass.) on Saturday
afternoon at Roberto Clemente Field.
With the win, the Raiders conclude the regular season at 15-0 overall and 11-0 in GNAC play. The Saints end the day at 7-8 overall and 6-4 in conference action.
The undefeated mark is the first in program history for Rivier and represents the second straight season the Raiders have gone unbeaten in GNAC competition.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Sophomore Liam Conley got Rivier on the board early, scoring an unassisted goal just 2:20 into the opening quarter. Emmanuel (Mass.) responded late in the frame with two goals to take a 2-1 advantage after one.
- After nearly six minutes without a goal to start the second quarter, Conley netted his second of the afternoon to tie the contest at 2-2. With 5:50 remaining, L. Conley found his brother, sophomore Aiden Conley, for a man-up goal to give the Raiders the lead. Just eight seconds later, sophomore Mason Schultz assisted first-year Conor Walsh to extend the advantage. Emmanuel added a late goal, but Schultz answered with his second of the half, sending Rivier into halftime with a 6-3 lead.
- The Raiders maintained momentum in the second half, outscoring the Saints 7-3 over the final 30 minutes. Walsh opened the scoring before Emmanuel cut the deficit to three. Schultz and Walsh then struck on consecutive possessions midway through the third quarter to push the lead to five. Sophomore James DelPrete added a goal with 5:34 remaining, followed by L. Conley completing his hat trick. Junior Cole Ronalter assisted first-year Henri Brochu late in the quarter to make it 12-4 after three.
- Emmanuel (Mass.) opened the fourth quarter with two quick goals, but defenses settled in for much of the period. With under a minute remaining, Walsh scored his third of the game to seal the 13-6 win and secure the undefeated regular season for Rivier.
BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN
- Walsh paced the offense with five points, followed by L. Conley with four.
- Senior Owen McDuffie recorded a career-high 18 ground balls.
- First-year Logan Layton caused three turnovers.
- Sophomore Jake Lydon made eight saves in the win.
UP NEXT
The Raiders await their opponent for the GNAC Quarterfinals on Saturday, April 25 at Joanne Merrill Field.