Men's Lacrosse: Raiders suffer loss to Raiders in the Semifinals, 17-10.

Men's Lacrosse: Raiders suffer loss to Raiders in the Semifinals, 17-10.

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

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier University men's lacrosse program closed out the most historical season in program history lastnight.  Coach Delanoy, his dynamic staff, stat-dominant seniors and their teammates pulled off an impressive regular season and earned a convincing quarterfinal win against #5 Anna Maria College, 15-5.  However, it was the #1 seed Lasers of Lasell College that ended the Raiders post season with a 17-10 loss at Grellier Field in Newton, Massachusetts last night.

Here's how it went down:

The Lasers outpaced the Raiders in the first by a scoring margin of 5-1 in the first period.  Senior Jake Genest (Salem, N.H.) was able to break through with the lone goal of the period following a save by senior goalkeeper Matt Cloutman (Peabody, Mass.) denying the Lasers a scoring opportunity. The first period of play ended 5-1 in favor of the Lasers.

The second and third period is where the Raiders found some momentum.  Freshman Corey Hicks (Londonderry, N.H.) notched the first goal of the period at the 11:29 mark after a successful clear attempt.  The assist was credited to sophomore Dylan McSparren (Warwick, R.I.).  This was goal number two on the season for the rookie.

About 4 minutes later senior Rob Fullerton (Wilmington, Mass.) marked his 40th goal of the season.  His goal as assisted by Chris Pennie (Wilmington, Mass.).  Fullerton went on to score 2 more goals to close out his collegiate career with a total of 54 goals.  In addition, he closes out his career with a total of 32 assists.

The second period ended 9-3, still in favor of the home team.

In the third period, the Laser continued to cash in.  Senior captain Colby Larsen (Windham, N.H.) notched the last goal of his collegiate season at the 8:20 mark after a successful save, clear and dish from fellow upperclassman Rob Fullerton. The third period ended 15-5 in favor of the Lasers. 

In a valiant attempt to close the ten-point lead, senior Eric Guinasso (Pelham, N.H.), Pennie, Fullerton and McSparren went on a 6 goal scoring frenzy to narrow the lead.  However, it just wasn't enough to catch up to the Lasers.  The final score, 17-10. 

This was officially the most successful squad in the history of Rivier University Men's Lacrosse. Collectively, the Raiders can proudly boast three GNAC Player of the Week honors (Larsen (2), Eric Guinasso), a Goalkeeper of the Week honor (Cloutman) and a Rookie of the Week honor (Nicker Ackerman).  In addition, a Rivier University Athlete of the Year Honor (Larsen) and a Scholar Athlete of the Year honor (Sr. Ken Whittier (Amherst, N.H.).  Not to mention a majority of its student-athletes could be found on the Dean's List.  While losing the final match was not the desired result.  The comradery, history and the cultivation of a special "Brotherhood" will forever be remembered by the program members and the Rivier University community.