Lakers Record Eighth Straight Victory by Downing Cayuga 19-10
By Alex Pagliano
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. – The Finger Lakes Community College men's lacrosse team jumped out to a 16-3 halftime lead, and never looked back to defeat conference opponent Cayuga Community College yesterday, 19-10. The Lakers improve to 10-6, and 4-1 within the Mid-State Athletic Conference.
The win marks several statistical milestones for the Lakers. The tenth win ties the program record for most wins in an individual season; and the fourth conference win marks the first time since the inception of the century that the Lakers have had equivalent success in the Mid-State Athletic Conference.
Sophomore Robert Pelkey led the Lakers with nine points on six goals and three assists. With the performance, Pelkey has moved up to become the second-leading goal scorer in the nation (53) and third-leading point scorer (75). The Fairport, N.Y. native only stands nine points back of reaching 100 points for his career.
Pelkey also caused a game-high two turnovers, and scooped up five ground balls.
Attackman Jack Timerson continued his offensive dominance, posting seven points on four goals and three assists. The Newark, N.Y. native is now the NJCAA leader for both goals (69) and points (98).
David Lilly led the Spartans with four points on a hat trick and an assist.
The Lakers came out of the gate early, leading 8-1 after the conclusion of the first quarter. Thomas Loudon opened the scoring just thirty seconds into the game, while fellow midfielder Albert Thompson would convert on the game's second goal just over four minutes later at the 10:11 mark. After a Cayuga Community College man-up conversion, Parker Weeks added consecutive goals that were followed by Timerson and Joshua Spence to give the Lakers the 8-1 lead.
The second quarter fared roughly the same for the Lakers. Pelkey scored four times, while Timerson posted a hat trick for the quarter. Loudon and Spence would each pick up their second goals, and the Lakers defense limited the Spartans to just two goals. The mark gave the Lakers a 9-2 quarter advantage, and a 16-3 halftime lead.
Cayuga Community College would battle back in the second half, but, the halftime deficit proved consequential. Throughout the course of second half action, Loudon would pick up his third and fourth goals, while Pelkey would add his sixth goal of the game at the 10:15 mark in the fourth quarter.
John Perrucci earned his tenth victory in goal for the Lakers, recording five saves over the first half of action. Matthew Ebanez and Nathan Gardner combined to close out the game in the second half, recording four and two saves, respectively.
Brad Rowe played every minute in net for the (4-7, 1-4) Spartans and recorded 14 saves.
Finger Lakes Community College will return to action tomorrow, as the Lakers host Mercyhurst North East. The opening faceoff is slated for 4p.m.