Rivier's Sean Callinan surveys the field during Sunday's season opener vs. Plymouth State at Merrill Field. (Photo courtesy of Rivier Athletics)

NASHUA – The Rivier men’s lacrosse team opened its season with a 8-5 win over non-conference opponent Plymouth St. Sunday afternoon at Joanne Merrill Field.

With the win, the Raiders improved to 1-0, while the Panthers fell to 0-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After nearly six minutes of scoreless play, sophomore Aiden Conley fired home Rivier’s first goal of the 2026 campaign.

Plymouth St. answered just 1:44 later to tie the game up, 1-1.

A. Conley recorded his second tally of the afternoon on a feed from sophomore James DelPrete with 6:06 remaining in the opening quarter.

DelPrete followed suit 50 seconds later, finding twine to give the Raiders a two-goal advantage. The Panther cut their deficit to one with just two second remaining in the first.

Sophomore Mason Schultz got things start in the second quarter scoring on a pass from classmate Liam Conley at the 10:57 mark.

Plymouth St. took its first lead of the game over the next eight minutes of play, recording goals at 5:35, 2:59 and 2:07.

First-year Andrew Nee brought the game level, 5-5, with just 1:21 remaining in the half on the man-advantage.

Coming out of the break, both teams put on defensive showcases, holding either side scoreless for nearly 14 minutes.

With 1:28 to go in the third quarter, A. Conley completed the hat-trick with an unassisted score, breaking the deadlock.

Rivier scored two more times in the final 15 minutes of action, while sophomore goalkeeper Jake Lydon and the Raiders’ defense held Plymouth St. scoreless in the frame.

First-year Conor Walsh found the back of the net after junior Noah Zeman controlled the opening face-off. Walsh added another tally with 3:39 remaining in the game to seal the 8-5 victory.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

Lydon finished the game with 20 saves and an 80% save percentage. His 20 saves are the most by any goalkeeper in a single game since the 2023 season.

A. Conley let the offense with four points on three goals and an assist.

First-year Colin Foley recorded a team-high six ground balls; Foley and first-year Luke Armano each caused four turnovers.

UP NEXT

The Raiders return to the field this Saturday, Feb. 28 for a non-conference matchup with Curry. The opening face-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Joanne Merrill Field.