Last weekend, the men’s lacrosse team began their season and picked up a close victory at Bryant University winning 14-13 in overtime. Going up against the defending NEC champions, the Raiders played tough throughout and scored midway through the first overtime period to seal the deal.

Coming off a strong season last year, the Raiders began the season ranked 10th and 11th in major preseason polls. With returning senior attackman and 2012 Tewaaraton Award winner Peter Baum, the Raiders have high aspirations for the season. Losing in the second round of the NCAA tournament to the Duke Blue Devils, the Raiders hope to advance even further this year, and were able to start off on the right foot Sunday.

In a game that was pushed back a day due to inclement weather, the Raiders and Bulldogs played close the entire game with neither team leading by more than two goals at any point. Sophomore midfielder Matt Clarkson started the day off with the first goal of the season.

Clarkson would finish the day with five goals, a career high for him. Bryant would respond by scoring four of the next six goals to close out the period with a 4-3 lead.

Going into the second quarter, juniors Kevin Boyle and Brendon McCann got their only goals of the game to push the Raiders back in front. The

Bulldogs then did exactly what they did in the first quarter and scored four of the final six to take an 8-7 lead

into halftime.

The Raiders came out firing in the third quarter as junior Jimmy Ryan and Baum each scored their second goal of the game. Clarkson additionally scored to push the Raiders lead to 10-8. The Raiders only allowed one goal in the third quarter and carried a 10-9 lead heading into the final quarter.

Ryan scored his third of the game two minutes into the fourth quarter, but Bryant quickly responded with two goals, one on the power play to tie the game up at 11 all. Clarkson finished his scoring of the day adding two goals two minutes apart in the middle of the frame.

The relentless Bulldogs fought back with two goals in the final three minutes, tying the score with eight

seconds left.

The Raiders headed into overtime with the confidence that if their strong play continued, they would come out on top. The benefits of their hard work came in the form of Ryan’s fourth goal of the game off the assist from senior Matt Baker, his second of the game.

Ryan’s four goals on the day were a career high for him, and he also added an assist. Baum finished the day with two goals and two assists. First-year Gordon Santry was strong in goal, making 11 big saves for the Raiders. The Raiders look to continue their success as they travel to the

University of Vermont this weekend.

Contact Spencer Serling at [email protected].