Jason Mleczko's save with 12 seconds remaining preserved a 7-6 win for the Hamilton College (7-2, 2-1 UCAA) men's lacrosse team over Clarkson University (6-2, 1-1 UCAA), on Wednesday afternoon. Hamilton entered the game ranked 20th in the latest USILA Division III poll, while Clarkson was 17th.
Clarkson opened the scoring just 49 seconds into the contest on a goal by Greg Arnold. Sean Pearce made it 2-0 Clarkson with his goal with 11:28 remaining in the first. Dan Geiger cut Clarkson's lead in half with his unassisted goal at the 10:34 mark of the first. Matt Silverio and Jim Henry each tallied a goal to close out the second period, giving Hamilton a 3-2 lead after one quarter.
Geiger's second goal of the day gave Hamilton a 4-2 lead midway through the second quarter. Jason Mleczko made a save. He passed it to Andy Laskowski who led Geiger beautifully for his fifth assist of the season. Both goalies shut out the other team the remainder of the half as Hamilton took a 4-2 lead into halftime.
Matt Owen opened the second-half scoring for Clarkson with his unassisted goal, making the score 4-3 Hamilton. Silverio struck twice for the Continentals the first coming on an assist from Jim Henry, giving Hamilton a 6-3 lead with eight minutes to play in the third quarter. Sean Pearce and Matt Owen each scored for Clarkson at the end of the third quarter, setting up an exciting fourth quarter.
Both teams went back and forth with Hamilton trying to increase their one-goal lead and Clarkson desperately trying to get the equalizer. With 3:45 remaining in regulation with Hamilton leading 7-5 freshman Jack Newton drove in and beat Clarkson's Joe Zebrowski, giving Hamilton a 7-5 lead. Clarkson answered back as Richard Burritt scored with 36 seconds remaining, cutting Hamilton's lead to 7-6. Matt Diana took one shot that whistled over Mleczko's shoulder. With 12 seconds to play Pearce had an opportunity right in front of Mleczko but the senior goalie came up big, making the stop and preserving the win for Hamilton.
The Continentals won the ground ball battle 67-39, including 21-6 in the fourth quarter. Silverio and Geiger led Hamilton with three points apiece. Silverio had three goals, while Geiger added a goal and an assist. Mleczko made 18 saves in net for Hamilton on 24 shots.
Sean Pearce and Matt Owen led the Golden Knights with two points apiece. Zebrowski made 12 saves in net for Clarkson on 19 shots.
Help us provide an accessible education, offer innovative resources and programs, and foster intellectual exploration.