KEUKA PARK, N.Y. — The Keuka College Men's Lacrosse team had a chance to tie in the final minute on Saturday but were unable to get a shot off as the Wolves fell to Utica University 9-8 in an Empire 8 contest.

Matt Jerman led Keuka College (5-6, 0-5 Empire 8) with three goals on the afternoon. Brandon MacDonell also had a three-point game with two goals and an assist as did Kyle Murphy who finished with three assists.

Utica University 9 at Keuka College 8
The Pioneers struck first, but MacDonell had the answer as the game was tied early. Utica took the lead and then beat the horn to score before the end of the quarter to lead 3-1 after one.

The run continued as Utica scored a pair of goals in the second just six seconds apart. The Wolves settled as Kyle Murphy found Matt Jerman less than a minute later to stop the run. The teams would trade goals. Devon Gerhardt got on the board but Utica scored the final goal before the break to lead 7-3 at halftime.

The Wolves made adjustments and came out gunning in the second half. The Green and Gold scored the first two goals of the third as MacDonell scored on the man-up and Dylan DeLucia followed with a tally. The Wolves continued to press but the Pioneers' goalie made seven saves in the frame. Utica scored the final goal of the third to make it 8-5 going into the final quarter.

Keuka College scored less than a minute into the fourth as Nicholas Pipher got loose and got a bounce-shot past the goalie less than a minute into the quarter. Matt Jerman then delivered back-to-back goals to tie the game, the last one coming on the man-up with 5:21 left to play. However, just over a minute later, Utica regained the lead with a goal with 4:17 remaining. Enrique Castillo won the ensuing faceoff for the Wolves, but Utica would get a save to gain possession. The Pioneers would go on the man-up with 2:36 left in the fourth. They worked the ball around and let a shot ring off the crossbar. The Wolves would kill off the penalty and eventually get a turnover with 1:03 left on the clock. On the clear for the Wolves, a tripping penalty was called on Utica with 48 seconds left. Following a timeout, the Wolves worked the ball around looking for the best opportunity to tie the game. However, Utica would force a turnover with nine seconds left and the loss ball went out with possession going to the visitors with six seconds left. Utica held onto the ball to secure the 9-8 victory.

KC Notes:

• Keuka College falls to 4-9 all-time against the Pioneers. Utica has won four straight in the series
• The two teams historically play close games. It was the fourth one-goal game in the 13 played between Keuka and Utica
• It was the third three-goal game of the season for Matt Jerman
• Dylan Hoad made 17 saves in goal for the Wolves
• Zach Moyer aided in the defensive efforts with three caused turnovers

Up Next for Keuka College: The Wolves have one final home game left. Keuka College will host Medaille University on Wednesday, April 26 at 4 p.m. It will also be Senior Day for the Men's Lacrosse team as they honor the graduating Class of 2023 before the game.