KEUKA PARK, N.Y. — The Keuka College Men's Lacrosse team led 7-4 at the half, but Russell Sage College outscored the Wolves 13-5 in the second half to defeat Keuka 17-12 in an Empire 8 matchup on Saturday afternoon.  

Will York and Matt Jerman each had a hat trick for Keuka College (2-7, 0-4 Empire 8).

Russell Sage College 17 at Keuka College 12

The Wolves struck first as Will York and Matt Jerman notched the opening two goals for Keuka, but Russell Sage answered with three straight to take the lead. The Green and Gold would tie it in the final minutes as a diving attempt by Brandon MacDonell snuck through the Gator goalie and in to make it 3-3.

Defense for both teams stood strong in the second quarter. The Wolves would be the first to break through as a shot from distance by Josh Moyer who went top corner to give the Wolves a 4-3 advantage. Matt Jerman scored his second as the Wolves added to their lead, but Russell Sage pulled one back on the man-up. The Wolves reestablished with a two-goal advantage as Ian Rickard hit from distance to make it 6-4. The Wolves scored the final goal of the half as Seth Spurgeon went coast-to-coast for the goal and the 7-4 halftime lead.

Russell Sage came out of halftime fast. They scored 57 seconds into the third and then again seven seconds later. A minute after that the Gators tied the game at 7-7. Keuka took the lead back on the third by Matt Jerman, but the Wolves would go on the man-down a minute later. Assessed a two-minute unreleasable penalty, Russell Sage took advantage of. The Gators scored a pair of goals with the advantage to take the lead and would not give it up. After the Gators made it 10-8, Stephen Baier won the faceoff for Keuka, went right in, and scored to cut it to 10-9. However, the Gators would score the final two of the quarter to lead 12-9.

The Wolves scored the first goal of the fourth with Spurgeon getting the goal, but Sage answered with two more goals. Will York pulled one back but the Gators answered with three straight to put the game away. York scored in the final minute but it was not enough as the Wolves lost to Russell Sage 17-12 on Saturday.

KC Notes:

• Saturday was the first-ever meeting between Keuka College and Russell Sage in men's lacrosse. It is the 58th different opponent Keuka has faced in their 34 seasons
• Stephen Baier and Ian Rickard scored their first collegiate goals on Saturday
• Seth Spurgeon became the ninth player in program history to hit the 150 career ground ball mark at Keuka
• Brandon MacDonell led the Wolves with three assists
• The Wolves outshot Sage 44-40
• Russell Sage took advantage of Keuka penalties, outscoring the Wolves 5-1 on extra-man opportunities

Up Next for Keuka College: The Wolves continue their three-game homestand on Wednesday as Keuka College will host Nazareth College under the lights at the Jephson Community Athletic Complex. The Wolves and Golden Flyers are set for a 7 p.m. faceoff.