CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, 518-416-2137 or 518-629-7898
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Friday, March 29, 2019
Hudson Valley Community College men's lacrosse (4-3) overcame a late deficit to defeat Monroe 16-14 this afternoon at the Outdoor Athletic Complex on the campus of Hudson Valley in Troy, NY. The win marks the first time the Vikings lacrosse program has defeated Monroe in exactly 10 years from the day in 2009.
The Vikings were led by their experienced scoring duo in Nathan Bruce (Scotia/Scotia-Glenville) and Austin Hinderliter (Ephratah/Johnstown). Bruce and Hinderlinter combined to for 11 points from 10 goals and one assist. During the Vikings second half run, Bruce and Hinderliter seven of the Vikings final nine goals of the game, including the go-ahead goal by Bruce with 9:09 remaining in the game.
Trailing 10-7 at the half, the Vikings outscored Monroe 9-4 in the second half, including four straight goals in the third quarter. Hudson Valley ended the game with three unanswered goals as the Vikings also increased their defensive intensity. Monroe was held to one goal in the final 21 minutes of the game.
Defensively, Christopher Calicchia (Loudonville/Shaker) and Austin Mendel (Adams, Mass./Hoosac Valley) led the charge with five combined caused turnovers and 19 ground balls. Calicchia also recorded one assist to go with his two caused turnovers and eight ground balls. Mendel tallied a game-high 11 ground balls and helped the Vikings with the possession battle as he won 13 face offs against Monroe's specialists.
Corbin Lafleur (East Greenbush/LaSalle Institute) and John Lawlor (Colonie/Colonie) each scored a pair of goals to help pace Hudson Valley's offense. The Vikings keeper Trevor Ham (Kingston/Kingston) recorded 10 saves and collected three ground balls as he earned his fourth win of the season.
The Vikings men's lacrosse program closes out their five-game home stand next Wednesday, April 3 as they welcome Herkimer to Troy, NY. The game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at the Vikings Outdoor Athletic Complex.