HARTFORD, Conn. -- Bates College men's lacrosse fell Saturday at Trinity College, 7-4, in a low-scoring NESCAC showdown. The 11 total goals is the lowest in a game involving the Bobcats since a 5-3 setback at Colby on April 25, 2012.
Trinity took an immediate lead in the initial quarter, scoring two goals in the frame. Colin Sullivan netted the game's first goal at 9:51, followed by Bo Page at 3:32. Duncan Rider made it 3-0 Bantams when the sophomore recorded his third of the season at 8:54 in the second. Bates responded later in the period with
Connor Hartman and
Riley McClure securing unassisted tallies at 2:05 and 00:13, respectively, to slice Trinity lead to 3-2 entering intermission.
The home team extended its lead in the third. Sullivan scored his second goal of the day at 12:23, followed by Hayden Shin at 12:17 and Jake Connors at 1:00, go increase Trinity's advantage to 6-2 heading into the fourth quarter.
Bates attempted to mount a rally, with
Jack Goldbach scoring two goals at 14:53 and 12:25, respectively. However, Page scored the final goal of the game at 9:07, sealing the conference victory for the Bantams (7-2, 2-2 NESCAC).
Jordan Opdahl proved to be a formidable presence in the Trinity goal, recording an impressive 21 saves over 60:00.
Andrew Toland made 15 saves in the complete-game effort for the garnet and white.
Despite the final score, Bates outshot the victors by a slim 49-48 margin. The Bobcats also owned a 9-6 advantage when it came to face-offs, and were a perfect 15-for-15 when it came to clears.
Staying in NESCAC competition, Bates now prepares to visit No. 9 Bowdoin this Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. in Brunswick, Maine.
