HAMILTON, N.Y. (2/18/2007)—Colgate University got goals from 12 different players and went 5-for-5 on extra man opportunities to earn a, 19-4, season-opening victory over Hartford University in men’s lacrosse action this afternoon on Tyler’s Field. Senior Jeff Hiller (Wantagh, N.Y.) and junior Matt Lalli (Princeton Junction, N.J.) led the way for Colgate with five points apiece.

 

Hiller tallied three goals and two assists, while Lalli contributed two goals and three assists in the win. Senior Brendan Hurley (West Islip, N.Y.) also notched a hat trick. The Raiders jumped all over the Hawks in the early going, scoring four unanswered goals in the first 7:43. Colgate continued to find the back of the net as it headed into the first break up 8-1. Hiller and Lalli had a hand in five of the eight first quarter scores.

 

Hartford stopped the run at the 7:06 mark with an unassisted tally from Jason Whitehouse.

 

The Raider defense continued to stifle Hartford and the Raider offense capitalized on its chances over the next three quarters. Colgate scored 11 unanswered goals to go in front 19-1 with 8:41 left in the fourth quarter. Ten different players scored for the Raiders during that stretch, including senior Simon Flynn (Raleigh, N.C.) netting his first career goal for the Raiders. Three freshmen also notched their first collegiate goals during the scoring streak.

 

The Hawks fired home three unanswered goals from three different players to close out the game. Brian Tilley, Rob Steffens, and Bill Dean all joined Whitehouse in the goal-scoring column, while Bryan Hale and Tom Harris provided an assist apiece.

 

Colgate got three-point performances on the afternoon from junior Josh Back (Guilderland, N.Y.) with two goals and an assist and sophomore Nick Monastero (Bohemia, N.Y.) with a goal and two helpers.

 

The Raiders controlled the contest, outshooting Hartford 48-12 and winning the groundball battle 47-26. Colgate won 21-of-25 faceoffs, as Brian McGowan (Garden City, N.Y.) and Mark Florian (Plantsville, Conn.) won a combined 16-of-18.

 

In goal sophomore Brian Cain (Rocky Point, N.Y.) got the start and made no saves in 30 minutes of action. Freshman Tim Harrington (Lutherville, Md.) played the second half and made two stops on five shots.

 

Hartford’s Jon McMahon and Pat Healy combined for 14 saves in the game as they both played a half.

 

Colgate returns to action on Feb. 24, hosting Sacred Heart at 1 p.m., on Tyler’s Field. The Raiders defeated Sacred Heart 12-10 last season.