A St. Lawrence University comeback couldn't find the game-tying goal as Nazareth College held on for a 8-7 NCAA Division III college lacrosse victory over the Saints on Saturday, handing SLU its first loss of the season.

The Golden Flyers, now 2-1, jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead and never trailed in the game. Down 8-4 entering the final period, the Saints scored three straight to pull within 8-7, but Nazareth was able to hang on for the win.

Troy Haefele ignited the first Nazareth scoring run with a goal and an assist as the Flyers scored three times in 3:06 of the first period for their 3-0 lead. The Saints, now 2-1, cut the lead to 3-2 on goals by Conor Healy and Jeremy Vautour five minutes into the second period, but another three goal run gave the Flyers a 6-2 lead at the half.

Austin Nadeau opened the second half scoring for the Saints and Charlie Jennings scored from Wil Burchenal on a man-up chance to make it a 6-4 game, but Nazareth answered with a pair of goals for an 8-4 lead after three.

"We had our backs against the wall early with limited possessions due to a really great faceoff man and a tough ride," said Saint coach Mike Mahoney. "I was really proud that we kept battling and gave ourselves a chance for the equalizer in the fourth. This was a game that will really benefit us moving forward."

Tommy Hovey scored twice and Burchenal once as the Saints pulled to within 8-7 with 8:13 to go, but while the Saints had their chances to tie, Nazareth held them off the board the rest of the way for the win.

Burchenal and Duprey had two assists each for the Saints to go with goals while Bret Newman led the Saint defense with five ground balls and two caused turnovers. Goalie Nick Ford also had a big day for the Saints making 14 saves while Nazareth's Michael Cuciti had six stops.

Nazareth outshot the Saints 35-20, had a 27-18 edge in ground balls and were 13 for 18 on faceoffs.

The Saints are scheduled to return to action Tuesday at 5 p.m. against Middlebury on a game slated for Hall-Leet Stadium.