PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The Bellarmine University lacrosse team dropped a 9-7 decision to the home-standing Providence College Friars on Saturday in an NCAA Division I non-conference game at Anderson Stadium.
The Knights jumped out to an early lead, but the Friars scored three times in the final 4:32 of the first half to take a 5-3 lead into halftime, and the Knights never made up the difference.
Bellarmine outshot Providence 42-30 on the day, but the Knights got only 19 of those shots on frame and Friar goalie Tate Boyce came up with 12 saves to help the host team preserve the victory.
The Knights were led by
Tucker Ciessau and
Jack Perkins, who both registered four points on the day. Ciessau rang up three goals with an assist while Perkins collected three assists and a goal.
Connor Harryman was again one of the bright spots for the Knights, winning 12 of 18 faceoffs to bring his season winning percentage to just over 60 percent (.605).
Providence, which plays in the Big East Conference, was paced by Michael Perettine, who also recorded a hat trick with three goals, and Will Mazzone netted three points with a pair of assists and a goal.
Bellarmine struck first as Ciessau scored just 1:10 into the game after Harryman won the opening faceoff and the Knights' offense worked it for the opening score.
The offenses were then held in check until just 10 seconds remained in the first when Perettine and Mazzone hooked up for the equalizing goal.
After PC scored the opening goal of the second period, the Knights answered with two quick scores to retake the lead at 3-2. However, the Friars then went on the 3-0 run to close the half and took the lead for good.
The Knights closed the gap to just one as Perkins scored just 59 seconds into the third period, but Providence answered with two unanswered and the Knights couldn't get any closer than two the rest of the way.
Bellarmine falls to 4-5 on season while, the Friars—who received votes in the latest national polls—improve to 6-3 on the season.
The Knights return to Sothern Conference play on Saturday as they host Air Force in a noon game this coming Saturday. The Falcons and Knights are currently tied with Richmond for the SoCon lead with 2-0 records.
BOX SCORE (HTM)
