Coming off of their second-straight trip to the NJCAA National Final Four in 2012, the #5 Genesee Community College men's lacrosse team opened up their 2013 season with a 23-2 victory over visiting Herkimer County Community College on Wednesday night.
Christian Reiller recorded an early hat trick, scoring the first three goals of the game for GCC to put the Cougars in front 3-0 just three-minutes in. Charlie Evans and Marcus Palvino rounded out the scoring in the first quarter to extend the Genesee to 5-0 after one.
(Mike Breindel (#2 white) fights for the opening face off on Wednesday night for GCC)
GCC pushed their lead to 9-0 before Herkimer finally broke through at the 7:33 mark of the second quarter. Reiller added his fourth goal of the game before the Generals notched their second goal just before halftime. Genesee led 10-2 at the break.
In the second half, it was all GCC as the Cougars outscored Herkimer 13-0. Jon Gill scored twice in the final two quarters to record a hat trick in the game. Nick Gray and Stephen Turkasz each added two second half goals.
Jordon McElligott led the defense with seven takeaways and seven ground balls on the night. Johnny Astrologo, Bobby Wheeler and Peter DiLaura combined for four more takeaways and 10 ground balls on defense.
Tom Owen had a solid night at defensive-midfield with four takeaways, four ground balls and an assist.
In net, Brady Lawrence played three quarters for the Cougars and allowed just two goals while making three saves. Craig Seneca and Mark Pucek split the final quarter and did not allow a goal while combining for five saves.
Reiller ended the night with 12 total points, tallying four goals and eight assists. Saxon Weil chipped in two goals and an assist.
In total, 16 Cougars recorded a point on Wednesday night.
Mike Breindel was 12 of 17 on face offs and Charlie Evans was 4 of 7 in the game.
Genesee improves to 1-0 on the year and will host Monroe Community College on Saturday (time TBA).
