Payton Kender scored the Raiders' lone goal in a 5-1 loss to MCLA Thursday night at Conway Arena. (Courtesy photo by Kyle Prudhomme/Rivier Athletics)

NASHUA – The Rivier men’s ice hockey team fell to the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, 5-1, in Massachusetts Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action on Thursday night at Conway Arena.

With the result, the Raiders dropped to 2-19-1 (2-9-0 MASCAC), while the Trailblazers moved to 5-14-3 (3-7-1 MASCAC).

HOW IT HAPPENED

Both teams traded chances to open the contest, with neither side finding the back of the net through the first 19 minutes of action.

With 50 second remaining in the first period, first-year Payton Kender lit the lamp after connecting with sophomore Michael Caparco on the man advantage.

After falling behind 1-0 in the first, MCLA erupted for three goals in the second, with the Trailblazers’ first goal coming just 25 seconds into the frame and their third coming just shy of the 16-minute mark.

MCLA added two more tallies in the final 20 minutes of action, capitalizing on a powerplay opportunity at 17:21 and sealing the 5-1 win at 19:53.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

The Raiders outshot the Trailerblazers 47-26 in the outing.

Sophomore goaltender Josh Kirton recorded 21 saves in the contest.

Kender recorded a team-high 14 shots followed by first-year Mason Rudrud with eight.

UP NEXT

The Raiders return action on the road for a MASCAC contest against Westfield St. at Amelia Park Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:35 p.m.