The Cowichan Rats were handed their first loss of the Vancouver Island Lacrosse League season last Saturday at the hands of the Saanich Express.
The Rats were outscored 4-1 in the first period but clawed their way back to trail just 6-5 at the end of the second before ultimately falling 9-7.
Starting the game with 17 runners, the Rats lost four to injury over the course of the contest, making a comeback that much harder.
Brayden Zunti led the way on offence with two goals and two assists, while Jeremy Achtzner had two goals and one helper, and Conor Manahan also scored twice. Josh Hayton had the other goal, and Shayne Alexander and Clayton Vickers had single assists. Ryan Brabander stopped 33 of 42 shots.
The Rats were back in action at home again on Wednesday night against the Victoria Blazers and visit the Victoria Jokers in Esquimalt on Thursday. They play host to the Jokers this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Cowichan Arena.