Vikings Sneak Past Pride in Midweek Matchup

WESTON, Mass. – Regis College men's lacrosse hosted the Salem State University Vikings at Regis Stadium tonight for a midweek non-conference clash. The Pride mounted a strong comeback attempt, pulling within one goal with 7:26 remaining, but the Vikings held on to secure the 17-14 victory. This non-conference loss dropped the Pride's record to 1-4 on the season.

Brendan Cook (Billerica, Mass.) led the charge for Regis with five goals, while Jack Jaynes (Reading, Mass.) contributed three goals, two assists, and six ground balls while Anthony Marsella (Johnston, R.I.) tallied a team-high five assists in the effort. On defense, Ryan Guerrette (Litchfield, N.H.) recorded 11 saves in goal.

For the Vikings, Fisher Gadbois and Connor Vittands each had impressive performances, scoring six goals and contributing two and one assists, respectively. Damian Biersteker made 20 saves to secure the victory for Salem State.

How it Happened:

• The Vikings built their largest lead of the first quarter with under 90 seconds left, but Cook responded with his second goal of the game before Luke Meelia (Acushnet, Mass.) then added a goal in the final seconds, cutting the Vikings' lead to two (7-5) as the first quarter came to an end.
• Salem State opened the second quarter with three unanswered goals, extending their lead to 10-5, their largest of the game. However, in the final 2:22 of the half, the Pride surged back, outscoring the Vikings 3-1 to narrow the gap to 12-9 at the break.

• With seven saves from Guerrette, the Pride's defense stifled the Vikings' offense, allowing them to score just once in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Jaynes and Weston Schumacher (Sherborn, Mass.) each found the back of the net to keep their team within striking distance and make it a 13-11 game as the teams entered the final quarter.
• The Vikings extended their lead to three goals early in the fourth quarter, but the Pride rallied, scoring three goals in just three minutes to pull within one at 15-14. However,  the Vikings' Gadbois and Vittands answered with a goal each, securing Salem State's 17-14 victory over the Pride.

Inside the Numbers:

• With five assists on the night, Anthony Marsella surpassed the 100-point mark in his career with the crimson and gold.
• Brendan Cook matched his career-high of five goals in tonight's game.
• Ryan Guerrette recorded back-to-back performances with double-digit saves.

Up Next:

The Pride will be back on the road this Saturday, March 22nd, traveling to Boston, Massachusetts, to face Emmanuel College at Roberto Clemente Field. The game is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m.