Oswego 7, Utica 6 (2OT) - Box Score

Utica, N.Y. (3/30/2011) – Senior Eric Zerrahn slid home the game-winner just 30 seconds into the second overtime to lift the Oswego State men's lacrosse team to a thrilling 7-6 victory in non conference play at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium Wednesday afternoon. Utica sophomore Ben Winkler (Rodman, NY/IHC) kept the game alive by netting the game-tying goal, off an assist from classmate Justin Edelstein (Hartsdale, NY/Harvey School), with just 36 seconds to go in regulation.

The Pioneers' (1-6) were outshot 45-27 on the day but senior goalie Joe Davis (Vestal, NY/Vestal) kept them in the contest all afternoon long, posting several huge saves, en route to 18 total saves on the day. Unfortunately for UC, the Lakers had the last laugh after Zerrahn pushed a loose ball just past the goal line to lift Oswego to a 4-3 overall record.

Utica worked hard all afternoon and earned a 30-15 advantage in ground balls. UC also went 11-for-18 in face off opportunities. Freshman TJ Benson (Central Square, NY/Paul V. Moore) kept his four game scoring streak alive with his second two goal effort of the season, while classmate Joe Schoen (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) added one goal and one assist. Junior Zachary Menapace (Baldwinsville, NY/C.W. Baker) scored one goal for UC and freshman defender Dan Duffy (New Hartford, NY/New Hartford) netted his first collegiate goal in the loss. Freshmen Scott Baron (Flemington, NJ/Cushing Academy) and Chris Gibbs (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) each added an assist.

The Pioneers were able to net two goals in a span of 4:34 towards the end of the first half to take their first lead of the game, 4-3, with 1:02 to go in the half. Oswego's Britt Leone tallied the equalizer just before the half and sent the contest into intermission tied at 4-4.

The third quarter continued to be troublesome for UC as the Pioneers were held scoreless for the entire quarter and went 0-for-8 on extra man opportunities.

Duffy netted an impressive end-to-end, long stick, goal to ignite the Pioneers at the beginning of the fourth quarter but the Lakers answered with 4:56 to go when Pat Decker tallied his seventh goal of the year to give Oswego a 6-5 lead. Winkler's game-tying goal with 36 seconds left sent the contest into overtime.

The Pioneers had a few key opportunities on the offensive end in overtime but they were unable to convert, and Zerrahn worked hard for the final goal of the game which gave the Lakers the victory with 3:30 to go in the second overtime period.

Junior captain Mick Krajacic (Clay, NY/Cicero North Syracuse) caused six turnovers and scooped up five ground balls for the Pioneers on the defensive end, while Matthew Crouse (Syracuse, NY/Corcoran) and Oliver Barney (Vestal, NY/Vestal) each added five ground balls.

UC returns to action on Saturday when it travels to Medaille to take on the Mavericks in a non conference match-up at 1 p.m.

                                                                             --- www.ucpioneers.com ---