BOX SCORE

WORCESTER, MA - The University of Hartford lacrosse team dropped a 7-3 decision at Holy Cross on Tuesday night.

Hartford (0-5 overall) led 2-1 after the first quarter but didn't score again until 8:34 to go in the contest. During the span, Holy Cross (1-5 overall) scored six straight goals to seize control and earn its first win of the season.

Freshman Scott Bement made his first career start in goal for the Hawks and recorded 14 saves. The seven goals he allowed were the fewest by a Hartford goalie in a game this season.

Trailing 1-0 early in the game, the Hawks picked things up offensively in the final two minutes of the first quarter. Junior Justin Bearse tied the game at 1-1 with a goal with 1:40 to play in the quarter, and freshman Carter Bender put the Hawks ahead with a man-up score with seven seconds to go.

Holy Cross scored twice in the second quarter to take a 3-2 lead into the halftime intermission. The Crusaders then outscored the Hawks 3-0 in the third quarter. Colin McGeehin scored his second goal of the game and dished out an assist in the stanza as Holy Cross took a 6-2 lead into the final 15 minutes of the game.

The Crusaders led 7-2 when freshman Aidan Genik netted Hartford's final goal of the contest. He scored on a feed by classmate Ryan Compitello with 8:34 remaining.

Holy Cross outshot Hartford 35-17 and forced 23 turnovers. Hartford won 9-of-12 face-offs and held a 33-27 edge in ground balls.

Hartford returns to action on Saturday, March 21 at 2:30 p.m. against Siena College. The game, which will be held at St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip, NY, will raise money for Lacrosse for Leukemia.