ROCHESTER, NY (April 1, 2009) - The Utica College men's lacrosse team dropped a 21-7 decision against host and Empire 8 Conference foe Nazareth College Wednesday afternoon. Senior captain Tom Collins netted a team-high two goals for UC, while classmate Travis Wright stopping 25 shots in net for the Pioneers.
The Pioneers have now dropped to 1-8 all-time against Nazareth and fall to 4-4 overall and 0-2 in Empire 8 play this season. The Golden Flyers improve to 5-3 overall and remain undefeated in conference play after defeating Elmira College on March 27.
UC struck first when junior attack Michael Brodhead scored off a pass from senior Aaron Benoit 8:05 into the first quarter. Nazareth answered back with four consecutive goals scored by four different Golden Flyers. Sophomore Matthew Crouse cut the lead to two, scoring his first goal of the season, with 1:20 left in the quarter.
The second quarter was all Nazareth, scoring eight total goals, six of them unanswered to open up the quarter. Attack David O'connell scored his 11th goal of the season while junior Cory Boulio grabbed his eighth goal of the year off a pass from fellow classmate Michael Bulger in a man-up situation. The Pioneers walked into halftime down 12-4.
Senior captain Tom Collins opened the second half scoring a quick goal just 40 seconds into the third quarter. After Nazareth added four more goals, Aaron Benoit picked up his second assist of the day after a pass to fellow captain Tom Collins, who compiled his second goal of the day and 12th of the season. Andrew Waite ended the third quarter, scoring the last goal of the Pioneers for the day and his third goal of the season which was assisted by David O'Connell.
The Pioneers were unable to narrow the lead in the fourth quarter giving up three more goals to the Golden Flyers. Attackmen C.J. Estes and Mark DeCirce both led Nazareth with five goals each.
Nazareth out shot UC 71-34 on the day and won 22 of the 31 face-offs. The Pioneers were able to score 30 percent of their extra-man opportunities while Corey Boulio and Travis Wright both picked up a team-high five ground balls.
Senior goalie Travis Wright saved 25 shots which tied the school record for saves in a game. Todd Dermody saved 11 shots on the day picking his fifth win of the season.
UC returns to action Saturday when they host Gordon College in non-conference play which is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. Nazareth will travel to Hartwick College where they will play thier third conference game in a row.
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