ONEONTA, NY- The Utica University men's lacrosse team had its playoff hopes dashed as it fell to host Hartwick College 18-13 in Empire 8 Conference action Tuesday. 
 
With the win, Hartwick clinches the fourth and final spot in the Empire 8 Tournament.  Utica meanwhile is eliminated form playoff contention.  The Pioneers will wrap up their season Saturday as they travel to Nazareth College.  Game time is scheduled for 12 p.m.
 
The teams traded goals in the first quarter but neither was able to pull ahead as the game was tied 3-3 after the first 15 minutes of play.  The Hawks took a narrow 8-6 lead into halftime, but a 7-3 outburst in the third quarter gave Hartwick a six-goal cushion heading into the final frame. 
 
Utica used three straight goals to come within three with just seven and a half minutes remaining in regulation, but Hartwick rebounded to score three of the next four tallies to hang on for the win.
 
Sophomore Connor Costanza (Deer Park, NY/Deer Park ) had a career-high six goals to go along with one assist, while senior john Avery had four goals to pace the Pioneers.  Sophomore Sam Serrano (Stone Ridge, NY/Roundout Valley) had one goal and one assist, while seniors Kevin Parisi (Glenwood, NJ/Vernon Township) and Gage Fiacco (Massena, NY/Massena) each netted one goal. 
 
Kainen Francis-Thompson led all players with 11 points including a game-high eight goals to lead the way for Hartwick.  Sophomore Jon Goodspeed (Binghamton, NY/Chenango Forks) finished with 14 saves for Utica, while his counterpart, Jared Tiong-Smith had nine saves.