FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Junior Carter O'Connell tallied a career-high four points on three goals and an assist, but it wasn't enough for the Hartford men's lacrosse team as it dropped a 14-11 decision at Sacred Heart in both teams' season opener. The Pioneers ended the game with a 4-1 run to break open a tie and earn the win.
 
SACRED HEART 14, HARTFORD 11
After exchanging blows to open the game, Sacred Heart took advantage of a pair of extra-man opportunities to fuel a three-goal run that put the Pioneers in front, 6-3, with 5:13 remaining in the half. Back-to-back from junior Tyler Corpora and O'Connell closed the gap to one, but Sacred Heart would score inside the final minute to take a 7-5 lead into the locker room.
 
The Hawks came out of the break firing, as O'Connell, Corpora and senior Frank Ranfone each scored within a stretch of 2:13 to make it an 8-7 advantage with 6:47 left in the third. With 9:56 to go, the Hawks and Pioneers were knotted up at 10-10, but Sacred Heart ripped off four-straight goals to put the game out of reach with 76 seconds left to play. 
 
INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES

• O'Connell tallied his first career hat trick in the defeat
• Sophomore Joe Prikhodko earned the start in goal for the Hawks, registering nine saves
• Brooks Dutton made eight saves in the second half for Sacred Heart to earn the win
• Drew Edwards tallied five points (3 goals, 2 assists) for the Pioneers to lead all scorers
• Seven Hawks found the back of the net, including junior Tyler Corpora and Sophomore Braeden McKercher, who each had a career-high two goals 
• Ranfone and freshman James McCoy each tallied their first career goals in the defeat, while freshman Zach Buffington had three caused turnovers in his collegiate debut
• Each team posted 14 wins inside the faceoff X

 
NEXT ON TAP
The Hawks remain on the road as they head to St. John's on Saturday. Opening faceoff from the Bronx, N.Y., is set for 1 p.m.

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