Men’s Lacrosse Falls to Beacons in Regular Season Finale

THE BASICS

Umass Boston 9 vs. Salem State 6

Records: 

Umass Boston Beacons  (11-7-0) 

Salem State Vikings (8-8-0)

Location: Salem, MA 

Date: Friday April 24^th, 2026 

THE LEAD:
The Salem State Vikings battled in a back-and-forth Little East Conference matchup against the UMass Boston Beacons in their regular season finale, but a strong second-half push by the Beacons led to a 9–6 victory. Salem State showed resilience throughout, including taking a second-quarter lead, but UMass Boston capitalized late in the third and fourth quarter to secure the 9-6 win over the Vikings.

 HOW IT HAPPENED

The Salem State Vikings closed out their regular season with a hard-fought LEC matchup against the UMass Boston Beacons, ultimately falling 9–6 in a competitive contest.

The first quarter set the tone for a back-and-forth battle. UMass Boston struck first, but Salem State responded quickly, matching each other goal for goal. With both teams locked in, the score sat tied at 2–2 late in the quarter. However, the Beacons found the back of the net with about four minutes remaining, giving them a 3–2 edge heading into the second.

Salem State came out energized in the second quarter, scoring two quick goals to take their first lead of the game at 4–3. The Beacons answered soon after, tying things up at 4–4, but the Vikings continued to push, reclaiming the lead at 5–4. Despite Salem State's momentum, UMass Boston closed the half strong, netting two late goals to head into halftime with a 6–5 lead. 

Looking to regain control in the third quarter, the Vikings instead found themselves in a defensive battle. The only goal of the quarter came from the Beacons, extending their lead to 7–5 and putting pressure on Salem State heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, the Vikings sparked some momentum, narrowing the gap to 7–6 with an early goal. However, the comeback from the Viking's would fall short from there as, UMass Boston regained control late in the game. Adding two more goals while holding Salem State scoreless for the remainder of the contest. The Beacons pulled away to secure a 9–6 win. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 

• Ryan Cohen would make 16 saves in the matchup against the Beacons. 
• James Tatro would lead the Vikings in offense with 3 goals in the game against the Beacons.
• Payton Cabral would lead the Vikings in groundballs with 7 in the game against the Beacons. 
• The Vikings would go 7-7 on clears against the Beacons. 
• It would be the Vikings to have 27 groundballs in the matchup and limit the Beacons to 12.