The SUNY Potsdam men’s lacrosse team was unable to sustain a strong early effort, falling 11-3 at Hamilton in a non-conference contest at Clinton, N.Y.

After tying the game at 2-2 early in the second quarter, the Bears (3-4 overall) surrendered five unanswered goals and committed four penalties in the period, allowing Hamilton to take a 7-2 advantage at the half.

“We got off to a good start, but we were unable to overcome the penalties in the second period and suffered a couple of key injuries,” Potsdam coach Rick Berkman said.

Senior Sean McAuliffe (Watertown, N.Y.), who led Potsdam with two goals, tallied to start the third, but the Continentals (5-0) responded with four unanswered scores, including three in the final minute of the quarter.

Sophomore Robbie Ashlaw (North Syracuse, N.Y.) totaled one goal and one assist for two points, while junior Peter Pike (Watertown, N.Y.) recorded an assist.

Junior Mike Quinlan (Buffalo, N.Y.) and sophomore Stefan Sloma (Niskayuna, N.Y.) split time in goal. Quinlan registered seven saves, while Sloma allowed four goals and tallied eight saves.

Junior Zeppy O’Geen (Massena, N.Y.) picked up a team-high five ground balls and won 9-of-15 faceoffs.

The Bears were outshot 38-25 and were 0-for-5 on extra-man opportunities.

Potsdam returns to action this Tuesday, March 29, at North Country rival St. Lawrence. Game time is slated for 4 p.m. in Canton, N.Y.