Lakers Roll to Fourth Consecutive Win, Doubling up Pioneers 16-8

By Alex Pagliano

ALFRED, N.Y. – The Finger Lakes Community College men's lacrosse team extended their current win streak to four games, as the Lakers doubled up Alfred State 16-8 on Wednesday at Pioneer Stadium. The win streak marks the first time that the Lakers have won four consecutive games since Apr. 9 – Apr. 15, 2011.

The play of the Lakers' attackers proved critical to the success of the team on the afternoon. Sophomore Robert Pelkey posted eight points on seven goals and an assist, while fellow attackers Jack Timerson and Parker Weeks also chipped in eight points each. Timerson recorded five goals and three assists, while Weeks recorded a goal and seven assists.

The continued production of Pelkey has been critical to the team's current win streak. Over the past four games, the sophomore attacker has tallied 29 points on 20 goals and nine assists. The scoring streak has vaulted Pelkey up several statistical charts. The Fairport High School graduate ranks third in the NJCAA in goals scored (38) and fifth in points scored (52).

Timerson posted his fourth consecutive game with at least eight points. The Newark, N.Y. native has scored in each of the Lakers' twelve contests this year, and additionally leads the NJCAA in goals (48).

Weeks posted his second eight-point performance of the season on the afternoon. In both games, the sophomore has recorded seven assists. The seven assists are the most scored in an individual game within the MSAC conference this season. The Canandaigua Academy graduate is second in the NJCAA in assists with 29.

Keegan Phalen and Brad Murdoch each recorded three goals for the Pioneers. Phalen and Brandon Griffin also recorded an assist.

Consistent with their play throughout the four game winning streak, the Lakers jumped out to a quick start against the Pioneers. Pelkey would open the scoring at 12:21, and would be joined by Timerson on the score sheet just under a minute later at the 11:42 mark. After a Frank Martin goal for Alfred State, the Lakers would receive three consecutive goals from Timerson, Weeks, and Albert Thompson to close out the first quarter with a 5-1 lead.

Finger Lakes Community College and Alfred State would trade goals within the second frame. After Pelkey's second goal of the game to open the scoring at 13:09, sophomore midfielder Thomas Loudon would add his sixth goal of the season to give the Lakers a 7-1 advantage at the 8:40 mark. The Pioneers cut the lead to four on consecutive goals by Brad Murdoch, but the comeback effort was quickly silenced by consecutive goals from Pelkey and another goal from Timerson. Keegan Phalen would score the half's remaining two goals to send the Pioneers into the locker room at the half only trailing 10-5.

The Lakers again quashed the Alfred State momentum heading into the second half, as Joshua Spence and Timerson would post goals within less than a minute of each other to expand the Lakers lead back to seven goals. Phalen would close out the quarter with a goal at the 7:52 mark to cut the Finger Lakes Community College lead to 12-6 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Lakers erased any potential doubt of a comeback in the fourth quarter. After the Pioneers cut the lead to just five with 14:40 left to play, Finger Lakes Community College would come back and score four of the next five goals to secure a 16-8 victory.

For the second consecutive game, the Lakers' defense has held their respective opponent at or under .500 in successful clears within the second half. The effort-laden defensive performance has turned into marginal success for the Lakers, as the team has limited opponents to just 1.8 goals on average within the second half during the duration of the four game winning streak.

John Perrucci stopped 12 shots to record his sixth victory of the season. The sophomore goalkeeper leads the nation with 170 saves and six victories.

Mike Alessi made 15 saves on 31 shot attempts for (2-5) Alfred State.

The Lakers will return home on Saturday to host Hudson Valley Community College. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 1p.m.