Broncs’ losing streak extends to four

By Logan K. VanDine and Rich Saile

With the regular season coming to an end, it was important for Rider lacrosse to get back to its winning ways. 

Hoping to rebound, the Broncs saw their losing streak extended to a season-high four as they fell to Mount St. Mary’s at home 15-6 and on the road to Niagara 18-13 now sitting at 8-7.   

‘We played terribly’

After the last two games on the road, the Broncs returned home to Ben Cohen Field and looked to snap their two-game losing streak against Mount St. Mary’s. That losing streak extended to three as the Broncs fell in a lopsided matchup to the Mountaineers 15-6 on April 10.

The first half set the tone of how the game went for the Broncs as they were outscored 11-2 at halftime to put them in an immediate hole. 

Despite the offense coming to a little bit of life in the second half, scoring four points with three of them coming in the fourth quarter, it was too little too late as the loss dropped Rider to 8-6.

“We played terribly offensively. Our defense played great, Jamie [Kubach] with double-digit saves for the third or fourth straight game, our defense gave us an opportunity,” a frustrated Head Coach Evan Mager said.

In the afternoon, the Mountaineers outscored the Broncs in the net 25-15. Despite Rider’s lackluster offensive performance, graduate student attacker Kylee Garcia had a strong game as she led the team with two goals, which made it 42 on the year for her.

“She showed she can play at this level, her and Katie [Walsh] have been a pair for years, so they know each other really well and they support each other,” said Mager. 

Four in a row

On April 13, Rider traveled to Buffalo to take on the Niagara Purple Eagles looking to snap its losing streak. The first goal of the game was scored by the Broncs off a turnover by Niagara and off an attempt by Garcia. Niagara quickly responded with a goal off a free-position shot to tie the game at one apiece.

After Niagara won the draw control, both teams missed a shot to take the lead until the Broncs turned the ball over, which resulted in a goal for Niagara to give them the lead 2-1. The Broncs cashed in on a turnover from Niagara to tie the game back at two, thanks to a goal by junior midfielder Selena Carrington off an assist from graduate student attacker Emily Wesoky. 

The Broncs regained the lead at the start of the second quarter with Garcia’s second goal of the game to put the Broncs up 3-2. Both teams scored a goal in the next two minutes of the game, including a goal from freshman midfielder Elena Bontatibus.

Niagara scored the last four goals of the half in just over six minutes to gain a one-point lead going into halftime. 

Coming out of the locker room, it was Niagara who took control the rest of the way, outscoring Rider 10-6 in the second half to go on to win 18-13.

“We knew when we entered the conference season, the games would all be very difficult with so many tough teams in the MAAC,” said Wesoky about breaking out of the losing streak.”

 The Broncs are back at Ben Cohen Field to take on the Fairfield Stags on April 17. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and will tip off at 4 p.m.