Utica Holds on For Victory
UTICA 6, Potsdam 4
The Utica College men's lacrosse team outscored visiting SUNY Potsdam 5-1 through the first three quarters to earn a 6-4 victory in non-conference play. The win marks Utica's first win over the Bears in the last five years.
The Pioneers improve to 2-2 on the season. They return to action Wednesday as they travel to Morrisville State. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.
The first half was a defensive battle as the teams combined for just three goals in the first 30 minutes of action. Despite falling down 1-0 early, the Pioneers took a 2-1 lead into halftime. UC controlled the majority of play in the third quarter as it was able to net three tallies to extend the lead to 5-1. The Bears mounted a comeback, outscoring Utica 3-1 in the final frame, however it was not enough and the Pioneers held on for their second victory of the season.
Zack Stevenson (Elbridge, NY/Jordan-Elbridge) and
Matthew Miller (Geneva, NY/Geneva) each had two goals, while
Alex Finnegan (Bay Shore, NY/Islip) and
Liam Wheatley (Rochester, NY/Webster Schroeder) each found the back of the net once. Finnegan also added a game-high two assists, including a highlight reel behind the back pass to Wheatley who buried his third of the year. Junior
Patrick Mulligan (Commack, NY/Commack) also added an assist on the day.
Brandon Souza (Watervliet, NY/Shaker), Stevenson, and
Tom Byrne (Lancaster, NY/Lancaster) each collected two ground balls, while
Sean Flanagan (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro),
Sean Behan (Dewitt, NY/Jamesville-Dewitt), and
Matt Werkmeister (Chaska, MN/Chaska) caused two turnovers apiece.
Senior
Andrew DiOrio (Greenlawn, NY/CW Post) was solid in net as he stopped 9-of-10 shots he faced in the first half, including a number from close range. DiOrio ended the game with a season-high 11 saves. Pete Gropp finished with 13 saves in the loss for Potsdam.
Farmingdale State 10, HARTWICK 6
Clarkson 14, ST. JOHN FISHER 0
Lebanon Valley 15, ELMIRA 4