Utica, NY (3/14/15)- The Utica College men's lacrosse team outscored visiting SUNY Potsdam 5-1 through the first three quarters to earn a 6-4 victory in non-conference play.  The win marks Utica's first win over the Bears in the last five years.
 
The Pioneers improve to 2-2 on the season.  They return to action Wednesday as they travel to Morrisville State.  Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.
 
The first half was a defensive battle as the teams combined for just three goals in the first 30 minutes of action.  Despite falling down 1-0 early, the Pioneers took a 2-1 lead into halftime.  UC controlled the majority of play in the third quarter as it was able to net three tallies to extend the lead to 5-1.  The Bears mounted a comeback, outscoring Utica 3-1 in the final frame, however it was not enough and the Pioneers held on for their second victory of the season. 
 
Zack Stevenson (Elbridge, NY/Jordan-Elbridge) and Matthew Miller (Geneva, NY/Geneva) each had two goals, while Alex Finnegan (Bay Shore, NY/Islip) and Liam Wheatley (Rochester, NY/Webster Schroeder) each found the back of the net once.  Finnegan also added a game-high two assists, including a highlight reel behind the back pass to Wheatley who buried his third of the year.  Junior Patrick Mulligan (Commack, NY/Commack) also added an assist on the day. 
 
Brandon Souza (Watervliet, NY/Shaker), Stevenson, and Tom Byrne (Lancaster, NY/Lancaster) each collected two ground balls, while Sean Flanagan (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro), Sean Behan (Dewitt, NY/Jamesville-Dewitt), and Matt Werkmeister (Chaska, MN/Chaska) caused two turnovers apiece. 
 
Senior Andrew DiOrio (Greenlawn, NY/CW Post) was solid in net as he stopped 9-of-10 shots he faced in the first half, including a number from close range.  DiOrio ended the game with a season-high 11 saves.  Pete Gropp finished with 13 saves in the loss for Potsdam. 


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