UTICA, N.Y.—The SUNY Potsdam men’s lacrosse team (2-1) used a 13-2 second half run to pull away from Utica College (1-1) for a 22-8 win Monday afternoon. Senior Sean McAuliffe (Watertown, N.Y./Watertown) led the Potsdam offense with five goals and two assists, while sophomore Kyle Nicholas (Syracuse, N.Y./Westhill) added three goals and two helpers. Sophomore Robbie Ashlaw (North Syracuse, N.Y./Cicero-North Syracuse) and junior Peter Pike (Watertown, N.Y./General Brown) also had big days with a goal and three assists and two goals and an assist, respectively.

Nicholas scored the first two goals of the contest on assists from McAuliffe and Potsdam never trailed. After Utica closed to 2-1 the Bears finished the quarter with a three-goal run started by McAuliffe at the 4:13 mark. The Pioneers outscored Potsdam 5-4 in the second period, but trailed 9-6 at the half.

The Bears started the second half with a 10-0 run, including four goals from McAuliffe, to put the game out of reach. Utica didn’t score again until 7:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. Potsdam answered with three more for a commanding 22-7 advantage with 3:12 to play. The Pioneers found the net once more to finished the scoring, but it was much too little too late.

Potsdam junior goalie Mike Quinlan (Buffalo, N.Y./Williamsville South) made six saves in the first 49:13 to earn his first win as a Bear. Senior Pat Corbine (Canton, N.Y./Hugh C. Williams) made four saves in the final 10:47. Utica goalie Wilson Mukrdecian played the first half, making four saves and was tagged with the loss. Joe Davis made seven saves in the second half for the Pioneers.

Scott Baron led Utica offensively with two goals and an assist and T.J. Benson contributed another two goals.

Potsdam Head Coach Rick Berkman liked what he saw from his team at both ends of the field.

“We played very well, but I was especially happy with our defense in the second half,” said Berkman. “(Junior) Rashaun Durden (Buffalo, N.Y./Williamsville East), (freshman) Billy Temple (Cicero, N.Y./Cicero-North Syracuse)and (sophomore) Nick Peryea (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) did a great job on defense in holding Utica to just two second half goals. Mike Quinlan was very strong in goal for us again and got his first win.”

Berkman saved some praise for his offensive leaders as well.

“Sean McAuliffe, Kyle Nicholas, Robbie Ashlaw, and (junior) Zeppy O’Geen (Massena, N.Y./Massena) all had another strong game and carried us offensively,” added Berkman. "(Junior) Tyler Flath (Brownville, N.Y./General Brown) and O'Geen were very steady for us on faceoffs, winning 21 of 34."

The Bears face the Cazenovia Wildcats in their home-opener tomorrow at 4 p.m.