Eagles win season opener at Alfred

By Jim Krencik
SPORTS EDITOR

The opening game was delayed a day due to weather, but neither the snow nor the Alfred University Saxons could not stop the College at Brockport men’s lacrosse team.

The Golden Eagles (1-0) broke a 2-2 tie with five consecutive goals in the second and third quarters to pull away in their first game of the 2007-08 season, a 9-5 win.

Brockport peppered Alfred’s defense with constant pressure in the middle of the game, outshooting the Saxons 29-7 in the second and third quarters and 45-21 overall.

Adam Drypolcher and Anthony Ventresca combined for 22 shots, three goals and two assists to lead the starters.

“They (Drypolcher and Ventesca) had a lot of opportunities and are a big part of our offense,” Brockport head coach Ben Wineburg said. “I do hope we can finish better as a team, though.”

Matt Andon-McLane came off the bench early in the game and started his Brockport career as a sharpshooter, netting two goals on only two shots on goal.

Garret Allwes made eight saves to earn the win for the Golden Eagles, stopping Alfred on all six of the Saxon’s extra-man opportunities.

“We were happy with our defense,” Wineburg said. “You are going to be sloppy in your first game, but we played with a lot of heart.”

Brockport also performed strong on face-offs, winning eight out of 18. Wineburg said his team progressed well and dominated face-off control in the second half.

Brockport’s next battle comes against the St. John Fisher Cardinals Saturday, March 8. The teams last played in 2006, when the Cardinals won 7-6 in overtime in Pittsford. Last year’s game was cancelled due to weather.