Lacrosse Off to Best Start in a Decade After Weekend Win

With a 3-2 record so far this season, the Hawks are enjoying their best start since 2001. Photo by Steve McLaughlin.

The University of Hartford men’s lacrosse team picked up its second-straight victory when it soared to a 14-9 defeat of Bellarmine University on Sunday afternoon at Al-Marzook Field at Alumni Stadium.

With the win, Hartford improves to 3-2 on the season, marking the program’s best start since 2001, when it opened the season 4-1 after its first five games. Bellarmine, which took last year’s contest in the first-ever meeting between the Hawks and Knights, falls to 2-4.

After jumping out to a quick 2-0 start with three minutes off the game clock, the Hawks, who never trailed in the contest, pushed their lead to 6-2 after the first quarter. Hartford continued to cushion its lead in the second quarter as it netted three scores to Bellarmine’s one to take a commanding 9-3 advantage at the half. The Knights went on to outscore the home team 6-5 in the final 30 minutes but were only able to come within five goals of the Hawks.

Sophomore Rory Nunamacher joined juniors Aidan Genik, Martin Bowes and Carter Bender in leading the Hartford offense with two goals apiece. Junior Ryan Compitello reached the back of the net once and dished out four assists for a game-best five points. Also contributing to the scoring with their first collegiate goals were rookies Adam Yee and Andrew Cacchio. Austin Bright scored two goals to lead the Knights.

Hartford continues its non-conference slate with a match-up at Bucknell on Wednesday, March 16, marking the first-ever meeting between the Hawks and Bison. Game time is scheduled for noon.