UMass Dartmouth put up an early two goal lead against USM in Little East Conference lacrosse action and never looked back. The Corsairs maintained their lead despite the best efforts of the Huskies to post a 9-7 victory Saturday.
The Huskies climbed to within one goal four times in the match, including the final moments of the third quarter, but couldn’t get over the hump.
“We played solid defense overall, but our offense just wasn’t clicking like it usually does,” sophomore Chris Gassman said of the effort.
The Huskies didn’t live up to their 10 goals per game average, but did allow less than their 10.8 goals against average.
The tandem of senior Preston Gilbert (Saco) and sophomore Tim Bryant (Peterborough, NH) continued to pace the Huskies, combining for five goals and two assists. Bryant scored four of those goals including three straight in the third quarter, which brought the Huskies to within a goal heading into the fourth. Gilbert added a goal and two assists.
“We had moments of brilliance,” said Gassman. “But we just couldn’t put it together for all four quarters.”
Prior to the game, both teams sat at 1-1 in conference play. Following the contest, they switched places in standings, USM dropping to fifth in the conference.
“We look forward to a playoff opportunity to pay Dartmouth back for the great game they gave us,” Gassman said.