Springfield, Mass. – April 3, 2010 – The Springfield College men’s lacrosse team cruised to a 21-2 victory over Norwich University in both team’s Pilgrim Lacrosse League openers on a beautiful afternoon on Stagg Field.
The victory snaps a three-game losing skid and boosts the PrideÂ's record to 3-4 this season, including a 1-0 mark in league play. The Cadets now even their record at 3-3, and are 0-1 in Pilgrim action.
Springfield’s offense erupted for 21 goals as it broke out of its recent scoring slump. Heading into today’s game, SC had found the back of the cage 16 times combined in its last three games.
The Pride dominated the game from the opening whistle as it won by a 19-goal margin. For the game, Springfield outshot the visitors, 68-8, and held a 57-36 advantage in ground balls. The Pride also had a great day from the face-off “X” as it won 18-of-26 draws. Springfield poured in the gameÂ's first five goals as Joe Macchi tallied a pair of strikes, both assisted by Shawn Runyon.
Norwich scored its lone goal of the first half with 1:52 remaining in the opening period as Patrick Sikora fired home a goal after dodging free at the top of the box.
Austin Orsini scored SpringfieldÂ's final goal of the opening 15 minutes with 18 seconds remaining as the Pride owned a 6-1 lead.
The Pride continued to pour on the pressure as it pumped in five unanswered goals to go into the half with an 11-1 lead. In the second quarter, Darris Owens and Kyle Sopko each scored their first collegiate goals.
Springfield scored 10 unanswered goals to start the second half as it netted five goals in both the third and fourth quarters. Scoring for the Pride included Parker Geane, Jarrid Johnson, David Fraboni, Jon Santer, A.J. Zarinsky.
Kyle Marzeoti closed out the scoring as he scored Norwich’s first goal since the 1:52 mark of the first half, as he found the back of the cage with just over two minutes left in regulation.
Joe Heney tallied two goals and added three assists, while Macchi tacked on four goals and one helper. Runyon finished the game with two goals and two assists and Orsini chipped in with two goals and an assist.
Nathan Proctor made 23 saves in the contest despite giving up 21 goals for the Cadets. Matt Cipolla made all three of Springfield’s saves as he was one of three goalies to see action in the game.
Evan Buss won 13-of-20 face-offs and scooped up seven ground balls off the bench and Mark Eaton went 5-of-6 with six ground balls.
Springfield continues league play on Wednesday evening as it hosts Lasell at 7:00 pm on Stagg Field.
