Hamilton 14, Utica 5 - Box Score

Utica, N.Y. (3/23/2011) – The Utica College men's lacrosse team trailed 2-1 after one quarter of action, but visiting Hamilton College outscored UC 7-0 in the second quarter, and went on to earn a 14-5 victory in non conference play Wednesday afternoon. With the win the Continentals earn the rights to the inaugural 'Contineer Cup' until both teams square off again next Spring. The contest was also part of a 'Pink Zone' initiative and all proceeds will benefit the Perfect Fit Boutique of the Regional Cancer Center of Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare.

Jon Leanos helped the Continentals (4-0) remain perfect this season after posting a game-high seven points on one goal and six assists. Henry Burchenal added a game-high three goals, while Luke Sadoff posted four points on two goals and two assists.

Senior captain Kevin Conway (Clinton, NY/Clinton) returned from a thumb injury and scored one goal for Utica (1-4), while TJ Benson (Central Square, NY/Paul V. Moore), Justin Bolla (Niantic, CT/Oswego), Justin Edelstein (Hartsdale, NY/Harvey School) and Ben Winkler (Rodman, NY/IHC) each added one goal for the Pioneers. Junior captain Mick Krajacic (Clay, NY/Cicero North Syracuse) caused eight turnovers and scooped up five ground balls to lead the UC defense.

The Pioneers played three hard fought quarters and were only outscored by a total of two goals in the first, third and four quarters. Hamilton's decisive victory came from a dominating second quarter where the Continentals mustered seven goals on nine shots.

Hamilton outshot Utica 38-35 on the day and won 13-of-23 face-offs. Utica earned a 31-30 ground ball advantage and both teams turned the ball over 31 times, in part due to the wintery conditions that accumulated throughout the afternoon.

Utica goalies Wilson Mukrdechian (Watertown, NY/Watertown) and Joe Davis (Vestal, NY/Vestal) split time in net and combined for 18 saves, while Hamilton's Max Vaickus stopped eight shots in the victory.

11 different Continentals scored at least one point. Chris Whelan totaled two points on one goal and one assist. Mike Fiacco caused five turnovers and picked up five groundballs for the Hamilton defense.

Senior Matthew Crouse (Syracuse, NY/Corcoran) caused four turnovers and scooped up a game-high six ground balls for UC, while Oliver Barney (Vestal, NY/Vestal), Michael Schepis (Watertown, NY/IHC), Pat Tarkowski (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) and Zachary Menapace (Baldwinsville, NY/C.W. Baker) each recorded one assist.

The Pioneers will look to snap their four game slide on Saturday when they open up Empire 8 Conference play against nationally-ranked No. 6 Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J. The contest is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

Hamilton will host SUNY Potsdam at noon on Saturday.

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