Lafayette Hill, PA – (3/20/2010) – C.W. Post University scored on their first shot of this afternoon's  East Coast Conference (ECC) contest and they held a 5-1 advantage after the first quarter, but Chestnut Hill College did not back down as they challenged the defending National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Champions to a 14-5 final.

A combination of senior midfielder Joe Meo (West Sayville, N.Y.) and junior attack Vito Minerva (Nesconset, NY) sprung C.W. Post University (6-0, 2-0) to a 12-3 halftime lead. Chestnut Hill College (3-3, 0-3) responded, taking the field with renewed energy in the second half. After two, third quarter goals, the Griffins managed to deny the Pioneers for the final 18:49 of the contest. The Griffins closed the contest with goals from freshman attacks Mike Wenz (Portland, OR) and Nate Tharp (Laurel, MD). Despite taking the loss (3-3), freshman goalie Dakota Maurer (Lititz, Pa.) made 16 saves against the #1 nationally ranked Pioneers.

Meo totaled five goals and Minerva controlled the Pioneer offense with four assists and a goal. Senior midfielder Mike Cama (Levittown, N.Y.) helped C.W. Post University control the contest, going 13-for-17 on face-offs. Junior goalie Dan Orlando (South Hempstead, NY) earned the win (6-0) and made six saves over 39:43 for the Pioneers.

Five Griffins recorded a goal, but freshman attack Mark Winkelspecht (Laury Station, PA) led the team with seven shots, three ground balls, a caused turnover, and an assist. Freshmen midfielders Alex Sabia (Conshohocken, PA) and Ricky Norman Jr. (Stafford, VA) combined to win six face-offs (6-for-22) for Chestnut Hill College. Defensively, freshmen Tom Carfagna (Laury Station, PA) and Joe Rucinsky (Camp Hill, PA) headlined the unit with three and two caused turnovers, respectively.

The men's lacrosse team visits Immaculata University at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24, for their next contest.