Men's Lacrosse Rolls past Division II Rollins College (FL)

WINTER PARK, FL - In their first game of the 2008 season the Elmira College Men’s Lacrosse team (1-0) faced off against Division II Rollins College (1-2) who’s Men’s Lacrosse program is currently in it’s inaugural season.

The Soaring Eagles who have a total of seven new faces on this year’s roster took control of the match early scoring three or more goals in each quarter. It was in the first quarter that fourth year Captain Mike Szpiech ’08 (Hamilton, ONT -- Albany Academy) netted his first man-up goal of the season putting his team ahead by one.

Rollins managed to tie the game up at 1-1 at the 13:37 mark on a Charlie Schelly goal. Following the goal, EC put two in the back the opponents’ cage, both of which were scored at even strength. Szpiech initially scored the go ahead, with Justin Rodis ’09 (Sudbury, MA -- Lincoln-Sudbury) adding some insurance.

On the afternoon, Szpiech managed a team high 3 goals, and 4 assists, while newcomer Martin O’Brien ’11 (West Springfield, MA -- Winchendon School) earned his first career hat trick.

The second quarter would see a back-and-forth battle between the two teams, with EC prevailing in the end. The Soaring Eagles would go into the halftime break leading the Tars by the score of 7-3.

In the final two quarters, Elmira would earn a total of eight goals as compared to Rollins six. Third year midfielder Phil Hill ’09 (Syracuse, NY -- Corcoran) led the team in face-offs finishing 18-for-22 and had 1 goal and 1 assist. Overall, the Purple and Gold dominated the Tars in face-offs only losing a total of 4 the entire game (24-for-28).

Offensively, EC out shot their opponent 45 to 18, while goalie Geoff Lane ’10 (Pennington, NJ -- Pennington School) managed three saves.

Men’s Lacrosse returns to action this Saturday when they visit Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Elmira College 15, Rollins College 9
Box Score

Goals: E- Mike Szpiech 3, Martin O’Brien 3, Mike Bialick 2, Phil Hill 1, Sean Slater 1, Justin Rodis 1, Dan Frost 1, Justin Jenkins 1, Kevin Morrison 1, Ian Morgan-Janes 1; R- Drew Bernstein 3, Charlie Shelly 2, Andy Katz 2, Peter Harvey 1, Christopher Gorman 1

Assists: E-Mike Szpiech 4, Mike Bialick 1, Dan Frost 1, Phil Hill 1, Justin Rodis 1, Sean Slater 1; R-Jay McDermott 3, Andy Katz 2, Charlie Shelly 2, Christopher Gorman 1, Peter Harvey 1

Shots: E-45, R-18; Saves: E-Geoffrey Lane 3, R-Zach Cole 18, Doug O’Brien 0