BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University men's lacrosse team dropped a 16-7 decision to Maine Maritime Academy in North Atlantic Conference action Saturday afternoon at Boucher Field.

Maine Maritime (9-5, 5-0 NAC) struck early, scoring the first two goals of the game before Husson (10-4, 4-1 NAC) answered midway through the opening quarter as senior Kiernan Field found the back of the net off an assist from sophomore Taylor Schwalje. The Mariners, however, controlled much of the first period, adding two more goals to take a 4-1 lead after one.

The Eagles showed fight in the second quarter, trading goals with Maine Maritime in a back-and-forth stretch. Field scored twice in the frame, including an unassisted tally and another off a feed from junior Owen Giorgio, while freshman Gabe Robinson added a goal off an assist from Field to pull Husson within one at 5-4. Maine Maritime responded late in the half with two quick goals to extend its lead to 7-4 heading into halftime. 

The third quarter proved to be the turning point, as the Mariners erupted for eight goals in the period to build a commanding advantage. Despite multiple saves from Husson goalkeeper senior Odin Burk, Maine Maritime's offensive pressure and ability to capitalize on possessions created separation.

Husson continued to battle in the fourth quarter, getting goals from Robinson, Field and sophomore Dominic Hollenkamp. Robinson scored off an assist from sophomore Drew Clinch, while Field added his fourth goal of the game on another feed from Giorgio. Hollenkamp capped the scoring in the final seconds with a goal assisted by Robinson.

Field led the Eagles offensively with four goals and an assist, while Robinson finished with two goals and one assist. Giorgio added two assists, and Hollenkamp contributed a goal in the loss. Burk made 17 saves in goal for Husson as the Mariners outshot the Eagles 62-30 and held a 53-26 advantage in ground balls.

Giorgio recorded five caused turnovers in the defeat, which allowed him to surpass the all-time record for caused turnovers, previously held by Matt Tabler with 125 takeaways.

The Eagles will now turn their attention to the NAC tournament, as they will enter as the No. 2 seed and battle SUNY Delhi in the semifinals on Saturday on the campus of Maine Maritime Academy at 4:30 p.m.