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Big Second Period Dooms Storm
March 14, 2009
Senior TJ Radka rattled off his second straight two-assist game in the loss.
The Keuka men’s lacrosse team rushed out to an early 2-0 lead and finished the first period tied at three goals a piece, before a big second period by the Knights of Geneseo State spoiled the Storm’s chances for its first win. The Knights outscored Keuka 12-4 over the final three periods for a 15-7 win at Hobart and William Smith College’s McCooey Field on Friday night.
The Storm now sit at 0-2 on the year while Geneseo picks up its first win of the year to even its record (1-1).
Two quick goals by seniors Chris Sullivan (East Northport, N.Y./Northport) and TJ Radka (Waterloo, N.Y./Cayuga CC) gave the Storm a good start before the Knights answered with three straight goals. Rookie Parker Gazda (Syracuse, N.Y./ESM) netted his first collegiate goal to tie the score before the end of the first.
The second period belonged solely to Geneseo as they outscored Keuka 6-0 while out-shooting the Storm 19-3. Giving the Knights a cushy 9-3 lead at the break.
The Storm rattled off two straight goals to begin the third period to cut the deficit to four but Geneseo quickly answered with two of its own to end the third period. The Knights scored four of the six fourth period goals including the first three to put the game out of reach.
For the game Geneseo held a huge advantage in face-offs, winning 17-of-25. The Knights out-shot Keuka 49-24 while only failing to clear the ball once (21-for-22). Keuka finished 19-for-28 in clears.
Radka finished with a goal and two assists, his second straight two-assist game. Senior Adam Farrell (Frontier, N.Y./Hamburg) continued to pile up goals as he netted two to go with his four from the Storm’s first game. Farrell added an assist. Gazda also ended with a pair of goals.
Sullivan finished with a goal and an assist to go with his seven face-off wins and team-high six ground balls. Freshman Tim Mandell (Corning, N.Y./Corning East) tallied one goal.
Sophomore keeper Brett Leonard (Syracuse, N.Y./Westhill) had his second straight 15+ save night as he finished with 16 saves while playing all 60 minutes. Geneseo used two goalies with Dennis Costanza picking up the win while stopping four shots.
Brendan Kurpis paced the Knights offense with four goals and an assist as Tom Costanza added three goals and three assists. Midfielder Erik Baranowski won 17 of his 24 face-offs while finishing with a game-high 12 ground balls and adding a goal and an assist.
The Storm will next play Oswego State at McCooey Field this Saturday, March 21 beginning at 7 pm.
