BURLINGTON, Vt. – The University of Hartford men's lacrosse team ran out to a 7-0 lead and never looked back as it defeated the Vermont Catamounts by a 12-8 final in America East action on Saturday. The Hawks boost their record to 8-5 with a 2-1 mark in league play while Vermont drops to 6-6 overall and 1-2 in the conference.

Another member of the Hawks reached a milestone in his career as Aidan Genik joined fellow classmate Carter Bender in cracking the 100-point milestone. After scoring Hartford's third goal of the contest, Genik returned the favor to classmate Martin Bowes two and a half minutes later to become the 15th member of the program's 100-Point Club. He finished the contest with three points.

Rory Nunamacher, a sophomore attackman, netted a hat trick to lead the Hawks' attack while junior Bowes scored twice and dished out three assists to finish with a game-best five points. For the Catamounts, Thomas Galvin compiled four points on three goals and one helper.

The Hawks reeled off seven unanswered scores over a span of 20:34 before allowing Vermont to reach the scoreboard. Hartford entered the halftime break with a seven-goal advantage at 8-1 thanks to an unassisted score by Bowes.

Vermont caught fire out of the locker room as it netted five-straight to close in on the Hawks' lead at 8-6. Hartford responded and ended its scoring drought as midfielder Nick Frigenti fed Bender with 1:05 remaining in the third to push the visitor's lead to 9-6.

The Hawks went on to outscore the Catamounts, 3-2, over the final quarter to clinch the victory with a 12-8 final.

Hartford dominated nearly every statistical category as it outshot its opponents, 33-29, and finished with a 27-24 advantage in ground balls. In addition, the Hawks won 16-of-26 possession battles, led by senior Tim Fallon who controlled 15-of-24 face-offs. Fallon also picked up a game-best nine ground balls. Scott Bement notched a 12-save effort to anchor Hartford's defense.

Hartford was nearly perfect in clearing the ball, converting on 17-of-18 attempts. Vermont found the back of the net in five of nine man-up opportunities while Hartford was 1-for-5 in extra-man situations.

The Hawks continue their America East slate when they travel to Vestal, N.Y. for a conference clash with the Binghamton Bearcats on Saturday, April 23. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.