Men's Lacrosse: Raiders end the AMCats season with a loss, 15-5.

Men's Lacrosse: Raiders end the AMCats season with a loss, 15-5.

Story written and posted by Hayden Barbosa, Rivier University Assistant Sports Information Director

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier University Raiders earned a convincing win today against the AMCats of Anna Maria College at Raider Field.  This win keeps the dream alive for the Raiders as they will advance to the GNAC Semifinals to face #1 Lasell College Lasers.  

Right out of the gate, Rivier dictated play. Within the first four minutes of the game the Raiders fired off four warning shots.  The first goal was notched at 11:17 by senior Rob Fullerton (Wilmington, Mass.) off an assist by his fellow upperclassmen Colby Larsen (Windham, N.H.)

About a minute later Anna Maria responded with an unassisted goal by Nick Massaro.

To no avail, sophomore Dylan McSparren (Warwick, R.I.)responded with a goal off a dish from senior Chris Pennie (Wilmington, Mass.).  Larsen then responded with two additional goals in the next two minutes.  Eric Guinasso add an unassisted goal then Larsen whipped another one in to close out the scoring for the first period.  The first period ended 6-1 in favor of the home team.   

While the first period was dominated by the home team the second period was a little different.  The AMCats out shot the Raiders 12-8 and captialized on 1-3 extra-man opportunities.  Nick Massaro struck again in a man up situation and Brandon Pavoni marked an unassisted goal narrowing the Raiders lead 6-3 by the end of the first half.  

The battle raged on throughout the second half Colby Larsen dropping three more net piercing goals.  The senior went on to lead the Raiders with six goals and two assists on the night.  

Fullerton and McSparren netted three goals a piece.  Sean Brady had an exceptionally unselfish night dishing off 4 assists. 

Senior Goalkeeper Matt Cloutman made some incredible saves.  From take shots off the chest to dropping into yoga-style half splits.  The Peabody, Mass. native denied a total of 14 shots, demonstrating exactly why he is one of the top goalkeepers in the conference.  He boasts a 60.1 saving percentage and has denied 178 shots to date. 

This win lifts the Raiders to an impressive overall record of 12-4 and 6-3 within conference play.  The loss ends the season for Anna Maria that tallied an overall record of 6-12 and 3-6 in league play. 

Next up for the Raiders, the GNAC Semifinal show down against the Lasell College Lasers (15-1 overall, 8-0 GNAC) in Newton, Massachusetts.  The two programs are slated to face off on Tuesday at 4PM on Grellier Field.