The Keuka College Men’s Lacrosse team held off a late rally to defeat Alfred State University 10-9 on Wednesday afternoon.
Aiden Nice (Palmyra, N.Y./Palmyra-Macedon) led Keuka College (3-2) with three goals, including the game-winner with 1:17 remaining. Harrison Root (Jefferson, N.J./Jefferson Township) added a hat trick for the Wolves, while Austin Holsclaw (Queensbury, N.Y./Queensbury) finished with two goals and an assist. Nikolas Gitsis (North Chili, N.Y./Churchville-Chili) recorded a goal and an assist, and Toby Tummino (LaFayette, N.Y./LaFayette) added a goal. Jaxson Tucker (Canandaigua, N.Y./Canandaigua Academy) made 14 saves in net.
Keuka College jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, as Holsclaw opened the scoring and Root followed to make it 2-0. Alfred State responded with a goal, but the Wolves held a 2-1 advantage after one.
In the second quarter, Root extended the lead on a man-up opportunity, but Alfred State answered with three straight goals to take a 4-3 lead. The Wolves responded with goals from Gitsis, Root, and Nice to regain control and take a 6-5 lead into halftime.
Keuka College created separation in the third quarter, outscoring Alfred State 3-0. Nice, Tummino, and Holsclaw each scored in the period as the Wolves built a 9-5 lead. Tucker anchored the defense with key saves to keep Alfred State off the scoreboard in the quarter.
Alfred State rallied in the fourth, scoring four goals, including a man-up tally with 2:07 remaining to tie the game at 9-9. Keuka College answered quickly, as Nice scored the game-winner just 50 seconds later. The Wolves then held off the final push to secure the victory.
Keuka College improved to 7-0 all-time against Alfred State. The Wolves also held advantages in ground balls, 42-32, and faceoffs, 12-11. Lorenzo Rand (Ogdensburg, N.Y./Ogdensburg Free Academy) led the team with two caused turnovers, while Root extended his goal-scoring streak to five games to start the season.
The Wolves will return to action on Saturday, March 21, hosting Elmira College at 1 p.m.
