Men's Lacrosse falls late to Mount Ida, 9-8

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier Men's Lacrosse team fell to the visiting Mount Ida College Mustangs by the score of 9-8 in the team's GNAC opener. With the loss, the Raiders end an impressive 5-game win streak. They fall to 5-1 (0-1 GNAC). As for the Mustangs, the win improves their record to 1-1 (1-0 GNAC).

Cold temperatures mixed with cold rain set the scene for a classic battle between the Raiders and Mustangs. As the score shows, this game was extremely competitive and very evenly matched.  Rivier was able to break the ice at the 12:46 mark with a Rob Auer (Salem, N.H.) goal off of a great pass from Tyler Tambouris (Hooksett, N.H.) Mount Ida would respond with a man-up goal from Wyatt Sullivan (Arlington, Mass.) which was set up by Chris Kidger (Groton, Mass.) Rivier would then begin a 4-1 run beginning at the 13:09 mark in the 2^nd quarter.

Two man-up goals, one by Cody Lynch (Salem, N.H.) and the other by Tyler Tambouris (Hooksett, N.H.), and two goals from Kyle Graham (Londonderry, N.H.) gave the Raiders a nice 5-2 lead. Mount Ida would respond quickly with a nice goal from Joe Galante (Framingham, Mass.) and two goals by Mike Markevich (Westminster, Mass.) tied the game up at 5-5 with only two minutes left in the half. Unfortunately for the Mustangs, Cody Lynch (Salem, N.H.) and the Raiders had other plans, scoring just 19 seconds later to take the 6-5 lead into halftime.

The 3^rd quarter began with a man-up goal from Tyler Tambouris (Hooksett, N.H.) assisted by Joe Kelland (Watertown, Mass.) at the 14:29 mark, pushing their lead to 7-5. Exactly two minutes later, Chris Kidger (Groton, Mass.) cut the Raider to just one with a strike set up from Shaun Royce (South Windsor, Mass.) The Raiders however, would respond in a great way. Tyler Tambouris (Hooksett, N.H.) from another excellent pass by Joe Kelland (Watertown, Mass.) was able to give the Raiders a two goal cushion with a man-up goal at the 8:01 mark. With an 8-6 lead heading into the 4^th quarter, the Raiders need to dig deep and play smart in order for them to seal the victory and fend off the pesky Mustangs of Mount Ida.

Unfortunately for the Raiders, goals by Chad Coehlo (Salem, Mass.), Wyatt Sullivan (Arlington, Mass.), and Shaun Royce (South Windsor, Mass.) pushed the Mustangs to a 9-8 victory. Mount Ida took the lead at the 3:18 mark and was able to hold on to the win. Some late penalties by Rivier made the comeback attempt difficult.

Rivier had good performances turned in by Cody Lynch (Salem, N.H.) who was able to score two goals for the Raiders. Kyle Graham (Londonderry, N.H.) was also able to score two goals for Rivier while teammate Tyler Tambouris (Hooksett, N.H.) led the Raiders with 3 goals and 1 assist.  Joe Kelland (Watertown, Mass.) did not record a goal in this game, but was able to establish his presence on offense with 3 key assists.

Mount Ida had good performances turned in by Mike Markevich (Westminster, Mass.) who was able to score two goals for the Mustangs, and teammate Wyatt Sullivan (Arlington, Mass.) also was able to score two goals. Joe Galante (Framingham, Mass.), Chris Kidger (Groton, Mass.), and Chad Coehlo (Salem, Mass.) were each able to add 1 goal for Mount Ida. Lucas Stralka (East Greenwich, R.I.) and Shaun Royce (South Windsor, Mass.) each recorded two assists on the afternoon.

The Rivier Men's Lacrosse team will next play host to Regis on March 18^th at 5:00pm. This is a non-conference matchup for Rivier. As for the Mustangs, they will next play on the road against Salem St. on March 118^th at 4:00pm. This is also a non-conference matchup.