ROCHESTER, NY - Utica University's men's lacrosse team opened Empire 8 conference play by hitting the road to take on Nazareth University. The Golden Flyers strongly defended their home turf, downing the Pioneers 25-5. Utica returns to action next Wednesday, April 1st, when they host #11-ranked St. John Fisher University in a 4:00 pm-scheduled contest.

Utica's offense was led by Ryan Considine (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee), who finished with a team-best three points on two goals and one assist. Fellow attackman Ryan Hollenbeck (Baldwinsville, NY/Charles W. Baker) also scored twice, including Utica's first of the day late in the second quarter, while midfielder Nolan Shea (Williston, VT/Champlain Valley Union) added one goal and one assist to round out the Pioneers' scoring. The quartet of Chase Nappi (Niskayuna, NY/Niskayuna), Aaron Bergquist (Brewerton, NY/Central Square), Landen Frey (Accord, NY/Rondout Valley), and Colin Musso (Auburn, NY/Auburn) led the team with two caused turnovers apiece. Nappi and Bergquist additionally tied with Cade Bourcy (Syracuse, NY/Skaneateles) for the team lead with four ground balls. Three goalies appeared for the Pioneers, with senior Jake Bowen (Williston, VT/Champlain Valley Union) playing the most, and being tagged with the loss. In 41:01, he saved 11 of 31 shots before Jack Rawleigh (Rochester, NY/McQuaid Jesuit) entered, saving three of seven in the next 14:37 of play. Brendan Griffey (West Seneca, NY/West Seneca West) entered to close out the last 4:22 of play.

Utica spent the opening quarter working to find its footing, generating looks from multiple shooters but unable to break through to the scoreboard. It took 3:03 of play for Nazareth to score, but once they did, a flurry ensued, giving the hosts a 7-0 lead after the first 15:00. 

The second quarter began much the same, with Nazareth scoring another seven goals before Utica responded. Hollenbeck netted a feed from Considine with 3:46 remaining in the quarter to score the Pioneers' first of the day, and stop a 14-goal run by the hosts. The Golden Flyers scored twice more to enter halftime with a 16-1 Nazareth lead.

Utica's most productive stretch happened in the third quarter, as the Pioneers matched Nazareth more closely in both pace and possession. Hollenbeck and Shea each scored, with Shea adding an assist, and Considine struck for his first on the afternoon to highlight a three-goal frame. The third frame closed with the Golden Flyers holding a 21-4 lead.

Utica continued to compete in the fourth, with Considine adding his second of the game to cap the team's scoring. The contest ended 25-5 in favor of Nazareth. The Pioneers were sharp in the clear and faceoff game down the stretch, turning in a perfect effort on clears in the final quarter and winning the faceoff battle within the final 15:00.

The Pioneers will look to bounce back when they return to Empire 8 play against #11-ranked St. John Fisher in their next outing. The opening faceoff at Gaetano Stadium is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1st at 4:00 pm.