Men's Lacrosse Defeats Mount St. Mary's

Box Score The Canisius College men's lacrosse team opened conference play with an 11-7 win over Mount St. Mary's. The victory was the first of the season for the Griffs and Canisius is now 1-3 on the season.

“We battled hard today,” said Canisius head coach Randy Mearns. “It was an even first half but then we exploded for five goals in the third period. Our defense played real well today. We played great team defense and great individual defense. We also did a great job on clears. It was an exciting win and our first win here at Mount St. Mary's. We have a lot to build on after today's game.”

Senior Michael Blocho (pictured) and sophomore Michael Benzinger each tallied a hat trick to led the Griffs' attack. Freshman Nick LoCoco posted a team-best four points on a pair of goals and assists. Seniors Chad Buck and Tom Hensel and freshman Adam Jones also added a goal for the Griffs.

Senior Chris Courteau recorded nine saves in goal to earn his first victory with the Griffs.

The first half was tight throughout, with neither team gaining more than a one-goal advantage. Trailing 3-2, Blocho and Benzinger both netted a goal in the final four minutes of the half to send the Griffs into intermission with a 4-3 advantage.

Canisius picked up in the second half right were they left off in the first frame. The Griffs tallied four goals in the opening five minutes of the third period to grab an 8-3 lead. Blocho netted two goals during the stretch, while Benzinger scored his career-best third goal of the afternnon and Buck added his first score of the season.

Mount St. Mary's (0-5, 0-1 MAAC) would score three of the next four goals to pull within three, 9-6. However, that is as close as the Mountaineers would get. LoCoco and Hensel each scored a goal and Courteau recorded three saves in the final period to seal the Canisius victory.

Canisius outshot the Mountaineers, 35-29, and committed five fewer turnovers. The Griffs forced eight failed clears in 23 attempts en route to the victory. Dan Mohr led the Mountaineers with five points on three goals and two assists, while T.C. DiBartolo recorded 13 saves in net.

The Griffs continue conference play next Saturday, hosting Manhattan. Game time at the Demske Sports Complex is set for 1 p.m.

Game Notes: The Griffs won for only the fourth time in 18 games against the Mountaineers ... Canisius won for only the second time in eight meetings at Mount St. Mary's and for the first time in conference play ... The Griffs have won their last five conference openers ... Sophomores Matt Barkas and Tim Rowley plus freshman Drew Caldiero all registered their first collegiate points with an assist against the Mountaineers.

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Players Mentioned

#18 Matt Barkas: D; 5' 11"; Sophomore

#2 Michael Blocho: A; 5' 7"; Senior

#8 Chad Buck: A; 6' 0"; Senior

#28 Drew Caldiero: M; 6' 0"; Freshman

#20 Chris Courteau: GK; 6' 1"; Senior

#32 Tom Hensel: M; 5' 11"; Senior

#22 Adam Jones: M; 5' 10"; Freshman

#13 Nick LoCoco: A; 5' 9"; Freshman

#16 Tim Rowley: M; 6' 0"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#18 Matt Barkas
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: D

#2 Michael Blocho
: 5' 7"; Senior
: A

#8 Chad Buck
: 6' 0"; Senior
: A

#28 Drew Caldiero
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: M

#20 Chris Courteau
: 6' 1"; Senior
: GK

#32 Tom Hensel
: 5' 11"; Senior
: M

#22 Adam Jones
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: M

#13 Nick LoCoco
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: A

#16 Tim Rowley
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: M