BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Senior attackman
Matt Balter (Albany, N.Y.) scored a season-high four goals and freshman goalie
Hunter Braun (Hartland, Mich.) notched a school-record 21 saves to lead the UMass Lowell Men's Lacrosse team to a 14-10 win at Binghamton in the America East opener on Saturday afternoon at the Bearcat Sports Complex.
With the victory, the River Hawks improve to 4-4 overall (1-0 AE), while the Bearcats drop to 1-7 overall (0-1 AE) with the loss. It marked the second America East conference win in school history and the first time the River Hawks have beat the Bearcats in four tries since joining Division I. The River Hawks now own 3-2 road record in five games so far this season.
"It's great to get off to a good start in conference play," said UMass Lowell Head Coach
Ed Stephenson. "We knew it would be a battle and it certainly was.
Hunter Braun was able to give us a cushion early and he also did a great job clearing the ball. I thought our defense played really well for most of the second half."
UMass Lowell scored seven goals in the second half to seal the victory, after Binghamton scored five four-quarter goals. Senior
Sean Tyrrell (Calgary, Alta.) added three points (2g,1a), while
Sam Klingsporn (Aloha, Ore.) and
Harry Morrill (Hyde Park, Mass.) each amassed two goals apiece.
"Our offense was very balanced today," said Stephenson. "Matt (Balter) was able to find some seams in the crease and finish."
Sophomore
Daniel Cozzi (Reading, Mass.) scored a big goal with 1:59 to play in the fourth quarter to halt Binghamton's four-goal comeback with less than five minutes to play in the contest.
The River Hawks got out to an early 3-0 lead in the first quarter on goals by
Jon Phillips (Delta, B.C.),
Bain Schroeder (Ellicott City, Md.) and Klingsporn. UMass Lowell owned a 7-4 lead at halftime.
Braun notched eight saves in the second quarter alone for his second 20+ save performance of the season. Kevin Carbone notched 14 saves in the losing effort for the Bearcats. Joe Licata, Thomas McAndrew and Will Talbott-Shere each totaled two goals apiece for Binghamton.
UMass Lowell returns to action on Saturday, March 24th to host No. 1 ranked UAlbany in America East play on Youth Lacrosse Night. Game time is 7 p.m. from Cushing Field Complex in Lowell, Mass.
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