UTICA, NY – The Utica College men's lacrosse team fell into an 8-0 hole in the first half and could not fight its way back into the contest as the Pioneers dropped a 14-3 decision against visiting Hartwick College in Empire 8 Conference action on Wednesday afternoon.

Senior goalie Harrison Bower (Northport, NY/Kings Park) posted a career-best 23 save effort in the loss.  Michael Foresti (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro), Dale Wagner (Elbridge, NY/Jordan Elbridge) and John Avery (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford-Mendon) each scored one goal for Utica. John Hanlon (Coconut Creek, FL/St. John Paul Academy) and Dylan Dunham (Elbridge, NY/Jordan Elbridge) each posted one assist. 

Freshman long pole Kevin Parisi (Glenwood, NJ/Vernon Township) continued his stellar freshman campaign as he posted five ground balls and three caused turnovers.  Tyler Crouse (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) added three ground balls and two caused turnovers.  Freshman Drew Turck (Lowville, NY/Lowville) began taking faceoff's in the second half and went 5-for-9 with five ground balls and one caused turnover for the Pioneers. Josh Bennett (Watervliet, NY/Shaker) and James Daniele (Pleasantville, NY/Pleasantville) each posted two ground balls for the home team.

Hartwick improved to 9-2 overall and 5-1 in Empire 8 Conference play following the 11 goal victory. Sam Ferguson scored three goals and added three assists for a team-best six points.  David Demand chipped in with four goals and two assists in the Hawks victory. 

Hartwick outshot Utica 55-32 and the Hawks also won the turnover battle 34-19.  C.J. Alesandrini posted 16 saves in net for the visitors.

UC returns to action on Saturday when it travels to Elmira College for an Empire 8 Conference contest at 1 p.m.