FAIRFIELD, Conn, - The Sacred Heart University men's lacrosse team (4-5, 0-2 NEC) edged Bryant by two in the second quarter's final minutes on the backend of a 3-0 run. However, the Bulldogs (4-5, 2-0 NEC) provided a pair of answers prior to the break all part of an 11-0 surge that ultimately closed out the Northeast Conference game, 16-7, Saturday afternoon at Campus Field.

How it happened…

Both teams played a tightly contested battle across the first two quarters with neither team leading by more than two. The Pioneers took hold of a two-goal lead after Joe Saggese deadlocked scoring, 5-5, and Max Tuttle tacked on two consecutive tallies capped at 3:34 of the second, 7-5.

Kyle Cornell and Marc O'Rourke each found the back of the net to round out scoring before the halftime horn to knot scoring at seven apiece, the fifth and final tie of the afternoon.

15 seconds into the second half, Jake Fiske scored to move Bryant ahead, 8-7, which eventually sparked a 9-0 second-half run for the foe that settled the final. 

The numbers…

Max Tuttle commanded the Pioneers' offense netting four shots and saw two others on target. He also earned a ground ball.

Joe Saggese finished with half of the team's four assists while also contributing a goal and a ground ball.

Julian Garritano and Logan Liljeberg delivered a helper each. Moreover, Liljeberg picked up two balls off the field.

Brooks Dutton was featured in goal for almost 52 minutes getting six ground balls and making 12 saves. Colton King also saw time in net collecting one rejection. 

Tyler Reynolds caused the most Bulldogs' dysfunction concluding with three caused turnovers.

Up next…

The Pioneers, in search of their first NEC victory, host Mount St. Mary's next Saturday, March 31 at noon.