WEST HARTFORD, CT - The University of Hartford lacrosse team fell short in a 10-8 loss at Holy Cross on Tuesday afternoon.

Sophomore Jacob Eustice and freshman Rob Steffens each scored a pair of goals for the Hawks (0-2 overall). Edison Parzanese netted a hat trick to lead Holy Cross (1-0).

The Crusaders scored the game's first goal but then fell behind after the Hawks rallied for three straight scores within a three-minute span. Steffens got the ball rolling with an unassisted tally before senior Jason Whitehouse put Hartford ahead on a score assisted by freshman Bryan Hale. Junior Brian Tilley completed the trifecta with 10:05 reamaining in the first quarter to give the Hawks a 3-1 edge.

Holy Cross took control over the next six minutes and netted four straight goals. Parzanese scored twice during the stretch as the Crusaders took back a lead it would never relenquish. Eustice capped the first quarter scoring with his first goal of the day to trim the deficit to 5-4.

Holy Cross' Paul LeBlanc scored back-to-back goals within a 10-second span to start off the second quarter. The Crusaders also scored with 50 seconds remaining in the half to take an 8-5 lead into the locker room at intermission.

The Hawks cut the deficit to two at three seperate points in the second half, but each time the Crusaders had an answer. Hartford scored twice in the third quarter, with Steffens adding his second goal and sophomore David Spivey picking up his first score of the year. Eustice added his final score in the final quarter on an assist from sophomore Dan Clough.

Holy Cross outshot Hartford 36-22 and owned a slight edge in ground balls (25-24). Sophomore Jon McMahon got the starting nod in goal for the Hawks and played the majority of the game, finishing with 16 saves while allowing all 10 goals. Jimmy Harrison played in goal for Holy Cross and finished with 11 saves.

Hartford will next play VMI on Saturday, February 24 at noon at Al-Marzook Field.