The Rivier men's lacrosse team gathers for a moment of reflection after Wednesday night's GNAC semifinal win over Norwich at Merrill Field. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

NASHUA – Today could be another day to remember in the annals of Rivier University men’s lacrosse and athletics in general.

Great Northeast Athletic Conference championships haven’t come that often at Rivier, but the Raiders have a chance to win their second straight today at 1 p.m. when fans flock to the Linda Robinson Pavilion/Joanne Merrill Field to see No.1 Rivier battle No. 6 Saint Joseph’s of Maine for the GNAC title.

This is a Rivier that the majority of the players did not see regular time a year ago. It’s their time, and they’ve taken advantage of it, not only returning to the finals but doing it as the first Raider team to be unbeaten this far into the season (17-0).

“I’m overwhelmed with how mature all of our young guys are,” Raiders coach Jay Delanoy said. “How much they want to learn, how much they showed up as good lacrosse players but are willing to do what it takes to get better, and understand more about the game. They’re mature beyond their days, and their work ethic is amazing.”

The two teams met back on April 15 in Standish, Me., with the Raiders coming out on top 11-5, grabbing a 4-1 first quarter lead and leading 9-2 after three quarters. While Henri Brochu (three goals), Mason Shultz and Jake Lydon (two apiece) led the Rivier, the Monks (11-8, 7-4) had no one score more than a goal. 15 assists for 69 points. Brandon Cavicchi is next at 45-24=69.

They upset No. 2 Saint Joe’s of Connecticut 8-6 in the semis, likely turing the game into a defensive struggle.

“They’re good all over the field,” Delanoy said. “They’ve got a good goalie, good attack, good defense, good midfielders – we’re going to have to do everything. It’s going to be another battle.”

Delanoy will game plan against what he expects to be a zone defense.

“They’ve been playing a lot of zone lately,” he said. “They zoned Lasell almost exclusively. Looking at the score (in the semis) I’m assuming it was zone.”

Delanoy has taken a look at the film the last couple of days after Wednesday’s 13-11 semis battle here vs. Norwich, so he’ll have a good idea when the Raiders take the Merrill Field turf today.

Rivier fans may feel spoiled. The Raiders had a historic season last year, not only winning the GNAC title but also hosting and winning their first ever NCAA tourney game.

And now they’re in that familiar territory again, and drawing great crowds.How?

“I don’t know,” Delanoy said. “Still got work to do. That’s all I know.”

PARKING, ETC.

There is no admission charge for today’s game. Rivier fans can park at the Sylvia Trotter Hall lot (Lot 10) and fans from Saint Joseph’s at the Memorial Hall Lot (lot 19). Fans can go to the Rivier Athletics web site for maps,etc., and are asked to follow posted signage and directions from campus staff upon arrival.