SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Sophomore Marty O'Brien (West Springfield, MA) led a balanced scoring attack with three goals as the Western New England College men's lacrosse team remained unbeaten in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) with an 18-3 victory over visiting University of New England Saturday afternoon (April 11).
The Golden Bears, ranked ninth nationally, raised their record to 8-2 overall and 5-0 in the conference.
Thirteen players scored points with senior Scott Kukis (Sudbury, MA), junior Tim Santye (Skillman, NJ), and freshmen Nick Jez (Somers, CT), Tyler Tannock (Barrington, RI), and Patrick White (Milton, MA) each hitting the back of the net twice. Freshman Tajh Russell (Agawam, MA) chipped in with a goal and assist.
Kukis, who also notched an assist, gave the Golden Bears a 1-0 lead at the 13:12 mark of the opening quarter.
WNEC went on to take a commanding 7-0 advantage after the first period before senior Eric Santos (Jamestown, RI) put the Nor'easters on the board at the 11:41 mark of the second stanza.
The Golden Bears held a comfortable 11-1 margin at halftime and were never threatened.
Senior Dan Leyden (Northfield, MA) and freshman Joe McCarthy (Billerica, MA) tallied second-half goals for the visitors. Freshman goalie Nate Porter (Cohasset, MA) finished with 17 saves for the Nor'easters (5-4, 0-3 TCCC).
Western New England College sophomore goalie Jake Katz (Somersworth, NH) stopped six shots and allowed a goal in 28 minutes, 10 seconds coming off the bench.
Junior Bill Greider (South Windsor, CT) won 10-of-13 face-offs and compiled seven ground balls.
