David Smith got his 1,000th career kill in the Raiders' seventh straight win on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Rivier University)

KEENE — The Rivier men’s lacrosse team fell in its season opener Saturday at the hands of the Owls of Keene State in non-conference action.

Keene went on a 13-0 run to start the contest. Former Souhegan standout Joe Nutting of Amherst five goals, one assist) had three goals through the first two quarters for the Owls. Keene’s run was finally stopped late in the second quarter with just 1:43 left by Connor Eck (Franklin, Mass.). Chris Heitmiller of Nashua would close the half out with Rivier’s second score of the game.

The second half opened up with a man up goal from Nutting for his fourth of the game giving his team the 15-2 lead. Nathan Sickles would tack one more on before Rivier’s Colby Mercier would respond.

The Raiders had their best offensive output in the fourth quarter, outscoring Keene 4-2. Mercier and Heitmiller would net their second goals of the game, with Michael Ference and Jeffery Potter scoring their first goals of the season.

Rivier has its home opener Wednesday vs. Castleton.

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

RIVIER 3, NICHOLS 2

The Raiders captured the deciding fifth set 15-8 for their seventh straight win as David Smith of Clinton, Ohio picked up his 1,000th career kill in Dudley, Mass.

Smith tallied 25 kills, eight digs, and two service aces while teammate Pedro Campos had Campos finished with 39 assists, 12 digs, and six kills. Tanner Soracco had a big match for the Bison with 21 kills and five digs.

The first four sets went 25-27, 25-22, 16-25, 25-23. In that match-tying fourth set, the Raiders were led by Smith and Campos.

Now 8-6 overall, Rivier visits Elms on Thursday.