The Estevan Tarpon Energy Big Dogs juvenile lacrosse team dropped a pair of recent home games against two of the top teams in the Prairie Gold Lacrosse League.

Estevan lost 11-8 to the Prince Albert Predators on June 2 and 18-12 to the Regina Riot the following day. Both games were played at the Lignite Miners Centre.

Prince Albert had a 4-1 lead at one point in the first period, but the Big Dogs chipped away at the lead, and by the end of the second period, the game was tied at 7-7. Estevan scored twice in the final minute of the second frame.

The Predators outscored the Big Dogs 4-1 in the third to pull away.

Rhett Handley scored three times and added an assist, while Dylan Smith had two goals and three assists. Tanner Froese, Ryan Curzon and Kelsy Omland also scored.

The Big Dogs trailed the Riot 7-2 after the first period, and 11-6 through two. Three quick strikes in the third brought Estevan to within five goals with six minutes remaining, but Regina scored a late marker to dash any hopes of another Big Dogs comeback victory.

Smith had four goals and two assists, while Handley tallied four times and had one helper. Marshall Holzer and Ty Currie each had two goals, and Omland had four assists.

Daniel Wenham was in goal for both games.

Estevan's next game will be June 8 in Regina against the Rifles. Game time is at 7 p.m.