MARCY, N.Y. – After a few false starts due to the persistent winter, the SUNY Poly Men's Lacrosse Team (0-1) opened its season on Saturday in a rescheduled game with the Utica Pioneers (1-1). The Wildcats kept things close through the first period, but the visitors ultimately pulled away for a 13-2 victory.
It was a scoreless affair through the first 7 minutes of the game. With just under 8 minutes to go Ryan Desveaux scored the game's first goal, putting the Pioneers ahead 1-0 on an assist by Brandon Souza.
Desveaux had a huge game, finishing with 5 goals to lead all scorers.
The Pioneers held just a 2-0 advantage after the first period, but were able to pull away in the second thanks to three more goals from Desveaux. The visitors scored five in the quarter, and led 7-0 at the half as the Wildcats were unable to get anything going offensively.
In the fourth quarter the home team got on the board with a pair of goals from senior Shane Joswick (New York Mills, N.Y. / MVCC). Both scores were unassisted.
Joswick had a solid game, winning 8 of his 11 faceoff attempts to go along with the two scores.
The Pioneers held advantages in most statistical categories except for penalties. The typically well-disciplined SUNY Poly team took 0 penalties on the afternoon, while the Pioneers earned 7 flags from the officials. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, however, the team was unable to capitalize on any of their man-up opportunities.
The Wildcats are scheduled to play another home contest this coming Saturday, March 14th, as they host SUNY Canton. Game time is slated for 1:00 pm.