UTICA, NY – The Utica College men's lacrosse team fell in its season-opener to Wilkes University, despite a thrilling second-half comeback that carried into the final seconds of the contest.

Wilkes was quick to grab the lead, notching a goal just 21 seconds in after forcing a turnover on the opening faceoff. It took UC just over a minute to respond with a tally of its own on a beautiful behind the back shot by Dylan Dunham (Elbridge, NY/Jordan Elbridge), helped along by Jacob Hyer (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro). Three goals by the visitors would follow as they were able to open up a 4-1 lead heading into the final minutes of the quarter.

The Pioneers were able to find the back of the net one more time before the clock wound down on the opening stanza, as Jared Smaldon (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) was able to connect with Dale Wagner (Elbridge, NY/Jordan Elbridge) to cut the deficit to just two scores.

Three goals by the Colonels dealt the hosts a 7-3 deficit heading into half time. Scoring in the second quarter was Dunham for his second of the day, unassisted at 8:11.

Utica's efforts in the third stanza were met by two goals by Wilkes, as it saw a four-goal deficit heading into the final quarter. James Daniele (Pleasantville, NY/Pleasantville) found the back of the goal at 14:21 with his unassisted tally bringing the squad within three (7-4). After a pair of goals by the guests, Dunham completed his hat trick with nine seconds remaining in the period to make it 9-5.

 The host's momentum appeared to halted in the opening minute of quarter four as Wilkes was able to open a 5-goal lead (10-5) just 59 seconds in. In the second minute John Avery (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford-Mendon) and Michael Foresti (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) were able to post a pair of goals within seconds of each other, the former's unassisted, the latter's helped along by Josh Bennett (Watervliet, NY/Shaker).

After a goal from the bad guys was recorded at 10:45, UC was again able to put up two more tallies, this time from Dale Wagner (Elbridge, NY/Jordan Elbridge) on the man-up and Jared Smaldon (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy). Both were helped along by Daniele for his second and third points of the day, respectively.

Seeing their lead cut to two goals, the Colonels were able to find the back of the goal just once more at 3:20. Avery and Hyer put the Pioneers back into contention with their goals coming in a 12-second span with two minutes remaining in the contest. Hyer was assisted by Dunham.

With five seconds remaining on the clock, Utica trailing by just one score, Smaldon sent a strong shot on-goal that was just shy of the mark. It rang of the post and into the field of play. Time expired before either team was able to gain possession of the rebound.

Earning the start in his first collegiate contest, goalie Jozef Korpics (Center Valley, PA/Moravian Academy) recorded 10 saves in 60 minutes played. 

A junior, Dunham led his team offensively, recording team-bests in points and goals, with marks of four and three, respectively. He also added an assist to the stat sheet.

Daniele trailed by one point, posting three on a team-best two assists and one goal.

Wagner and Avery each recorded two goals. Bennett had a game-high six ground balls, going 13-for-16 on faceoffs with one assist.

The Pioneers return to action on Saturday as they host the SUNY Poly Wildcats for a 1 p.m. matchup.