BOX SCORE
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The University of Hartford men's lacrosse team suffered a devastating 7-6 overtime loss to the Sacred Heart Pioneers on Saturday evening on Campus Field in Fairfield, Conn. The Hawks fall to 2-5 overall, while the Pioneers improve to 3-5 on the season with the win.
The Hawks held a commanding 6-3 halftime lead but were held scoreless by the stingy Pioneers' defense in the final 30 minutes of regulation.
The Pioneers found the back of the net three times over the span as senior Timmy Katz struck twice before classmate Evan Morgan delivered the game-tying goal with two ticks remaining on the regulation clock. Morgan drew blood again just 1:47 into the extra period with the game-winning goal.
Sophomore Aidan Genik scored a pair of goals and assisted on one to lead Hartford. Classmates Carter Bender and Ryan Compitello also added with one goal and an assist apiece. Sacred Heart was led by senior Timmy Katz who scored three goals and collected an assist.
Sacred Heart struck first when Bryan Badolato scored less than three minutes into the contest. The Hawks answered by stringing together consecutive goals to take their first lead of the game. Hartford got on the board at 9:42 when Sean King connected with Bender for his third goal of the season while Compitello found Genik with 6:33 remaining. Jason Flood notched an unassisted score to knot the game at 2-2 before freshman Jared Franze put the Hawks back on top with his 13th goal of the season.
Hartford outscored Sacred Heart 3-1 in the second quarter as the sophomore trio of Compitello, Genik and Bender each found the back of the net. With his team down 4-2, Katz kept the Pioneers in the game with 3:16 remaining. Genik netted his second goal with 1:13 remaining in the half and Bender's buzzer beater sent the Hawks into the locker rooms with a 6-3 advantage.
Bender's goal proved to the be the final time the Hawks would see the scoreboard light up however as the Pioneers outshot Hartford 19-6 in the second half and netted four straight scores to piece together the come-from-behind victory.
Sacred Heart outshot Hartford 36-25 and held a 32-26 edge in ground balls. Goalie Tom Trgo turned away 12 shots for the Pioneers in the victory. Sophomore Scott Bement made a season-best 18 saves in goal.
The Hawks return to action on Wednesday, March 31 when they host Albany for the beginning of America East conference play. Game time is slated for 3:30 p.m.
