Defense allows two goals in second half, defeats Thunderwolves 14-5

SANBORN, NY – Playing a complete game, both on offense and defense Sunday at Niagara County Community College, the Herkimer Generals Men's Lacrosse team netted nine goals in the second half to defeat the Thunderwolves 14-5.

Herkimer 5-4 (1-1) allowed three goals in the first period, the most of any quarter. It didn't matter however since the team scored four themselves on goals from Cristian Ojeda (Ossining, NY), Tony Karam (New Hartford, NY) and Kyle Lee (Cincinnati, OH). Ojeda scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season eighth minutes apart, both giving Herkimer a lead (1-0 and 3-2). Karam scored his 12^th goal on an assist from Jonathan Camera (Staten Island, NY) with 2:02 left in the first period, tying the game at 2-2. Lee scored his 26^th goal of the season on an assist from Joel Braun (Troy, NY). It gave Herkimer a 4-2 lead which would not be relinquished.

Herkimer cruised into intermission with a two goal lead (5-3) thanks to a terrific defensive effort which allowed no goals in the second period. Scoring the only goal in the second was Karam, on an assist from Michael Fuoco (Kingston, NY) with 4:44 remaining in the half.

Herkimer's outstanding defense continued in the second half, holding the Thunderwolves to two goals in 30 minutes – one in the third and fourth – outscoring Niagara 9-2. They opened the half scoring three unanswered goals in eight minutes, building the lead to 8-3 with 6:26 left in the third. Scoring the goals were Camera, Fuoco and Lee. Camera finished the game with one goal and two assists, Fuoco finished with one goal and two assists and Lee finished with a game-high four goals.

Between the final two minute of the third and first six minutes of the fourth, Herkimer again strung together unanswered goals - this time five - increasing the lead to 13-4. Getting into the score column during that time was Braun and Jeremy Mowrey (Johnstown, NY). Each had one goal on the day, helping the Generals cruise to a victory after losing to Dean College the day before by 13 (21-8).

In goal for Herkimer on Sunday was Mario Diaz (New Rochelle, NY) and Austin Loeffel (Red Hook, NY). Both helped the Generals hold their fourth opponent to single digits with Diaz and Loeffel both saving eight shots in each half.

The Generals next match is tomorrow. They'll travel to Syracuse, NY to take on the No. 1 ranked Onondaga Lazers. Herkimer will look to give Onondaga their first loss of the season. The match is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

-Giorgio Varlaro; Athletic Website Manager