Box Score Philadelphia, Pa. – (3/29/2018) – Chestnut Hill College had the challenge of taking on the #10 New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) in a physical affair this afternoon. The Bears used a steady first half performance to establish a 5-1 halftime lead, but did not leave Victory Field #1 without the Griffin threatening their position in a 10-6 conclusion. Freshman midfielder J.R. Howell (East Meadow, N.Y.) and junior attack Casey Brown (Havre De Grace, Md.) scored two goals apiece, while senior goalkeeper Matthew Pedrick (New Milford, N.J.) made 15 saves performance to keep the Scarlet and Gold in contention.

Chestnut Hill College (2-4) and NYIT (4-4) both played exceptional defense in the first quarter as the Bears eked out to a 2-1 on advantage. The Bears improved their position in the second quarter, using a 3-0 run to carry a 5-1 edge into intermission. In the third quarter, freshman midfielder Mickey Holland (Brick, N.J.) broke the Bears streak, getting the Griffins back on the scoreboard at 12:19, 6-2. But NYIT responded with three more goals to lead 9-2 (7:30), before Brown reenergized the Griffins by netting a man-up goal on a feed from senior attack Dylan Klusaritz (Slatington, Pa.) with 4:33 (9-3) remaining in the third frame. The Scarlet and Gold carried their momentum into the fourth quarter, where a 3-0 run cut the Bear lead to 9-6 (12:20); Brown found Howell for the first two tallies, the last came unassisted from senior midfielder Joshua Pope (Schnecksville, Pa.). Unfortunately, the time cut the Chestnut Hill College rally short in the 10-6 final.

Sophomore attack Matt Murphy (Shirley, N.Y.) led NYIT with three goals, three assists, and three ground balls. Senior attack LeRoy Halftown (Cattaraugus Reservation) matched his teammate with three goals as well. Junior midfielder Matt Arnone (Hicksville, N.Y.) added two goals, while junior midfielder Michael Trainor (North Port, N.Y.) and senior attack Matt Chanenchuk (Mt. Sinai, N.Y.) chipped in one goal apiece. Sophomore guard Brian Jockers (North Massapequa, N.Y.) (5-4) defended the Bear net with eight saves and two ground balls.

Brown's four points (2 goals, 2 assists) led Chestnut Hill College, he also added three ground balls and caused a turnover. Howell additionally logged one ground ball, while Holland and Pope tallied one goal apiece. Sophomore Blake Turner (Tampa, Fla.) was strong in the circle, winning 13-of-20 (.650) face offs and recovering four ground balls.

The Chestnut Hill College men's lacrosse team returns to Victory Field #1 on Saturday, March 31, for a 4:00 p.m. contest with Walsh University.