KEUKA PARK, N.Y. – The Keuka College Men's Lacrosse team opened the 2017 season with a 11-3 victory over Alfred State at the Jephson Community Athletic Complex on Saturday.

Keuka College (1-0) was led by freshman Craig Gerhardt who had three goals and an assist. Fellow freshman Mark Shattuck added three goals and an assist himself. Matt Mahalick finished with two goals and an assist for the Wolves. Mahalick also won seven faceoffs and collected five groundballs.

Keuka College 11 vs. Alfred State 3

Both teams struck early in Keuka Park on a rainy Saturday afternoon as Matt Mahalick scored just twenty seconds into the game, but Alfred State's Teddy Alvarado evened the score a minute and fifty seconds later. At the end of the first quarter, Keuka led 4-1 with goals from Craig Gerhardt, Mark Shattuck, and Matt Mahalick with a pair. The Wolves would add a man-up goal at the 11:53 mark when Andrew Burns scored off a pass from Craig Gerhardt. At halftime the score stood 6-2 in favor of Keuka.

After a show of defense throughout the third quarter, Craig Gerhardt broke through at 1:28 mark of the third completing the hat trick. Keuka extended their lead to 9-2 after a pair of forced turnovers turned into a pair of assists from Harold Pallone, with the goals going to Mark Shattuck and Dan Blaessig. Alfred State answered quickly when Alvarado scored at the 11:54 mark of the fourth quarter. After the Wolves added a goal, Mark Shattuck capped the scoring to complete the hat trick. He got open in front of the goal on a spin move and scored as Keuka went onto the 11-3 victory.

Wolf Pups: In the first career game, many freshmen made an instant impact for the Wolves. Gerhardt and Shattuck each had a hat trick and four total points. Harold Pallone had a game-high 11 groundballs for Keuka. In the goal, freshman Ryan Mavretish got the win. He allowed just three goals while making seven eight for the Wolves.

KC Notes:

• The Wolves are now 3-0 vs. Alfred State since the Pioneers transitioned to a 4-year school
• Keuka College improved its record to 11-3 in season openers since the 2004 season
• Keuka has won four straight home openers at the Jephson Community Athletic Complex
• Matt Mahalick collected five groundballs for the Wolves. He now stands at 149 groundballs in his career, which ties him for fifth all-time.

Coming up for Keuka College: The Wolves will travel to Elmira College next Saturday, March 4 to face the Soaring Eagles. Elmira dropped their season opener to Neumann University 11-9. Keuka defeated Elmira College 13-3 last season.