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Mustangs down Bears laxmen in overtime, 14-13

Posted 3/22/11

POTSDAM, N.Y.—The Morrisville State Mustangs (3-1) rallied late and defeated the SUNY Potsdam men’s lacrosse team (3-3) in sudden-death overtime on a goal from junior Brandon Macera (Chittenango, …

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Mustangs down Bears laxmen in overtime, 14-13

Posted

POTSDAM, N.Y.—The Morrisville State Mustangs (3-1) rallied late and defeated the SUNY Potsdam men’s lacrosse team (3-3) in sudden-death overtime on a goal from junior Brandon Macera (Chittenango, N.Y./Chittenango). Bears’ sophomore Robbie Ashlaw (North Syracuse, N.Y./Cicero-North Syracuse) had a game-high seven points (1-goal, 6-assists), while senior Sean McAuliffe (Watertown, N.Y./Watertown) and junior Ryan Paparella (Whitesboro, N.Y./Whitesboro) each scored three goals. Macera led Morrisville with three goals and an assist. Fellow Mustangs, seniors Adam Lewis (Painted Post, N.Y./Corning-Painted Post West) and Andrew Stein (Oswego, N.Y./Oswego), each recorded two goals and two assists.

Potsdam never trailed in regulation, but never led by more than three goals. The score was tied at four after the first 15 minutes and the Bears led 7-6 at the half. Potsdam grabbed its biggest lead of the contest with 4:02 left in the third quarter as a man-up goal from junior Rashaun Durden (Buffalo, N.Y./Williamsville East) made it 10-7. Lewis cut the lead to 10-8 30 seconds later and the Bears held the lead into the final period.

After the teams traded goals Mustang sophomore Thomas Owens (Cazenovia, N.Y./Cazenovia) tied the game at 12 with 3:41 left in regulation. With just 47 seconds remaining, Ashlaw set up sophomore Derek Frost (Buffalo, N.Y./Williamsville East) for a man-up goal and a 13-12 lead. Morrisville would not be denied as Stein took the ball of the ensuing faceoff, worked his way down field and evened the score at 13 at the 00:29 mark.

In overtime Potsdam, outshot the Mustangs 3-2, but Morrisville junior goalie Michael Hinchey (Lake Katrine, N.Y./Kingston) came up with two big saves. The Mustangs nearly won the game at the 2:11 mark as freshman Mike Schmatz (Pawling, N.Y./Trinity Pawling) forced a turnover, grabbed the ground ball, and fired a shot off the post. As the contest appeared to be heading for a second overtime, Macera put the game away with just 31 seconds left.

In goal for Potsdam, sophomore Stephan Sloma (Niskayuna, N.Y./Niskayuna) made seven saves in the entire 63:29. Hinchey finished with 11 saves for the victory. Bears’ junior Zeppy O’Geen (Massena, N.Y./Massena) recorded a goal and two assist, picked up seven ground balls, and won 20 of his 27 faceoffs.

Potsdam finished 3-8 on the man-advantage and Morrisville was 2-6.

Bears Head Coach Rick Berkman was understandably disappointed with the outcome, but did see some bright spots.

"We didn't play with much composure, we didn't respect the ball on offense, and we turned the ball over too much,” said Berkman. “Still, I thought Stefan Sloma did a good job in goal and Rashaun Durden did a nice job defensively."

Next the Bears travel to Clinton, N.Y. to take on the Hamilton Continentals at noon on Saturday, March 26.