Box Score St. John Fisher 17, Utica 8 - Box Score

Pittsford, NY – The Utica College men's lacrosse season came to a close on Saturday after a 17-8 loss at the hands of host St. John Fisher College.  The Pioneers (8-8. 3-4 Empire 8), who needed a win to advance to the Empire 8 Conference Tournament for the first time in program-history, finished the season with eight wins to tie the school-record for most wins in a single season.  Junior transfer Trent Thomas (Akwesasne, ONT/Massena) totaled five points for the Pioneers (two goals, three assist), while classmate Justine Edelstein chipped in with two goals of his own. 

Fisher (11-4, 5-2 Empire 8) jumped out to an 8-4 lead in the first half and pulled away in the final 30 minutes by outscoring UC 9-4.

Senior captain Mick Krajacic (Clay, NY/Cicero North Syracuse) wrapped up his decorated career with a team-best four caused turnovers and he also added three ground balls. Senior goalie Joe Davis (Vestal, NY/Vestal) picked up seven saves and added a team-best five ground balls. 

Fisher jumped out to a quick 6-2 lead in the first quarter behind two goals apiece from Kyle Denhoff and Bryan Byer.  Thomas and Edelstein added the opening quarter goals for UC, while Joe Schoen (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) picked up his 19th assist of the year. 

Utica kept things close in the second quarter by matching Fisher's two goals and the score was set at 8-4 at halftime.  Senior William Greeley (Newton, MA/Newton North High) netted his first goal of the year, while sophomore TJ Benson (Central Square, NY/Paul V. Moore) added his 12th of the season. 

Fisher pulled away by netting the first five goals of the second half to take a 13-4 advantage. UC was able to must four more goals in the final 15:54 of play, but it was not enough, as the Cardinals earned the No. 4 seed in the upcoming Empire 8 Conference Tournament. 

Schoen finished the day with one goal and one assist, while Greg Geiss (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) added a goal of his one and David Craig (Brewerton, NY/Paul V. Moore) was credited with an assist. 

Senior Oliver Barney (Vestal, NY/Vestal) won six face-offs and picked up three ground balls for UC. 

The Pioneers bid farewell to seven seniors including Mick Krajacic (Clay, NY/Cicero North Syracuse), Joe Davis (Vestal, NY/Vestal), Oliver Barney (Vestal, NY/Vestal), William Greeley (Newton, MA/Newton North High), Wilson Mukrdechian (Watertown, NY/Watertown), Dennis Timmons (Central Square, NY/Paul V. Moore) and Zachary Menapace (Baldwinsville, NY/C.W. Baker).

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