Hartford Wins For First Time Since 2007
from press release and staff report
The University of Hartford lacrosse team picked up its first
victory of the 2009 season in a 14-5 final over Presbyterian
College on Monday afternoon at Alumni Stadium.
Hartford (1-10 overall) dominated PC in nearly every category en
route to its first victory since 2007, snapping a 26-game losing
streak and netting its largest margin of victory since the 2006
season. The 14 goals were a season high for the Hawks, who outshot
the Blue Hose 47-28. Freshmen Carter Bender, Aidan Genik and Ryan
Compitello combined for nine goals and 15 points on the day while
classmate Scott Bement picked up the win in goal.
Five different players scored for Presbyterian (1-10), which was
playing its final game of the season. The Blue Hose scored three
man-up goals and went 20-for-23 in clears.
Hartford never trailed in the game and led 8-2 by halftime. Bender
scored three times in the first half while Compitello added two
goals. Sophomore Sean King and freshman Clark De Geer also scored
the first goals of their career in the stanza.
Bement and the Hartford defense shut out PC in the third quarter.
The Hawks scored once in the frame on an unassisted tally by junior
Justin Bearse to take a 9-2 lead.
Bearse connected with Genik for a goal to open the fourth quarter,
and Genik later returned the favor to Bender for a man-up goal that
put the Hawks up 11-2. After a PC goal from Patrick Foy, the Hawks
tacked on their final three goals of the afternoon to take their
biggest lead at 14-3. Freshman Martin Bowes and senior David Spivey
each scored their first goals of the season during the span as the
Hawks coasted to victory.
Genik led all scorers with a career-high seven points on three
goals and four assists. Bender finished with a career-high four
goals while Compitello added two goals and two assists.
Bement finished with 10 saves while recording the first win of his
career. Sophomore Tim Fallon also had a strong game for the Hawks,
winning 16 of 21 face-offs while scooping up 11 ground balls.
Hartford finished 17-of-22 in the face-off circle for the game.
Hartford, still in the hunt for a berth in the upcoming America
East Championship, will host UMBC in its final home game of the
season on Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. Prior to the game, the Hawks
will honor their seven seniors in a special ceremony.
