Potsdam 22, Utica 8 - Box Score

Utica, N.Y. (3/14/2011) – The Utica College men's lacrosse team trailed by three goals at halftime, but was outscored 13-2 in the final 30 minutes, and lost to visiting Potsdam State 22-8 in non conference play Monday afternoon at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. Freshman classmates Scott Baron (Flemington, NJ/Cushing Academy) and TJ Benson (Central Square, NY/Paul V. Moore) each netted two goals for the Pioneers (1-1) in the loss.

After falling behind 5-1 in the first quarter, the Pioneers made a game of it by outscoring the visitors 5-4 in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Benson scored both of his goals in the second quarter, while sophomore Ben Winkler (Rodman, NY/IHC), Baron and senior Michael Schepis (Watertown, NY/IHC) also added goals before the half.

Potsdam (2-1) stretched its three goal halftime lead to nine, 15-6, by netting six unanswered third quarter goals. The Bears outshot UC 50-31 and cleared the ball at a near perfect rate all afternoon (24-of-27).

Potsdam scored 13 of the game's final 15 goals, including ten straight at one point in the second half, to secure the convincing victory. Sean McAuliffe totaled a game-high seven points on five goals and two assists for the Bears, while Kyle Nicholas added five points on three goals and two assists.

Baron finished the day with a team-high three points, while freshman Tyler Gardinier (New Hartford, NY/New Hartford) added his first collegiate goal for the Pioneers. Oliver Barney (Vestal, NY/Vestal), Justin Edelstein (Hartsdale, NY/Harvey School), Fred Del Genio (New Hartford, NY/New Hartford), Steve Bush (Fort Drum, NY/Indian River) and Schepis each credited one assist in the loss. Senior captain Matthew Crouse (Syracuse, NY/Corcoran) totaled a team-high four ground balls and added two caused turnovers on the defensive end.

Junior Wilson Mukrdecian and senior Joe Davis (Vestal, NY/Vestal) split time in net for Utica and combined for 11 saves. Mukrdecian added three ground balls and Davis, who had seven of the 11 saves, posted one caused turnover.

Zeppy O'Geen recorded a game-high eight ground balls and won 11 face-offs for the Bears.

The Pioneers will hit the road on Wednesday when they travel to Kings College for a non conference contest in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. at 4 p.m.

                                                      --- www.ucpioneers.com ---