BOX SCORE

NEWARK, DE - The University of Hartford lacrosse team nearly pulled off a stunning comeback at the University of Delaware on Saturday afternoon, falling 11-9 after trailing by six early in the contest.

Hartford (0-2 overall) fell behind 7-1 with 7:57 remaining in the second quarter after allowing six straight goals. The Hawks trailed 8-3 at the half but pulled to within one after outscoring the Blue Hens 5-1 in the third quarter. Senior Justin Bearse scored both of his goals in the quarter to spark the rally, and sophomore Michael Cudmore and freshmen Ryan Compitello and Carter Bender all followed with tallies.

Delaware opened the fourth quarter with a goal, but Bender answered with his third goal of the game to cut the deficit to one at 10-9. The Delaware defense then held the Hawks scoreless over the final 9:50, and Pat Lombard netted an insurance goal to put the Blue Hens up by two.

Senior John McMahon and sophomore Lee Malandrino each saw time in goal for the Hawks and combined for 18 saves. Malandrino played the final 37:57 and allowed only four goals while making 10 stops. Delaware outshot Hartford by a 51-32 margin and won 19 of 24 faceoffs.

Bearse also added three assists to finish with a game-high five points. Bender became the second Hartford rookie to net a hat trick in as many games, as classmate Aidan Genik had five goals in the season opener against Dartmouth. Genik finished with a pair of assists against the Blue Hens.

Hartford will next host Sacred Heart University on Saturday, March 7 at Alumni Stadium. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.