JUMBOS LOSE OPENER AGAINST EASTERN CONNECTICUT

COLLEGE MEN'S LACROSSE FINAL SCORE
Eastern Connecticut 18     Tufts 10

At Norwich, CT
Sunday, March 16, 2003

GOALS: T-Bryan Griffin 5, David Taylor 2, Devin Clarke 1, Casey D'Annolfo 1, Mike O'Brien 1; E, Marc DiGiovanni 4, Brian Hebron 3, Andre Smith 2, Kristopher McQuarrie 2, Andy Stockfisch 2, Eric Faraday 1, Amir Loghmanieh 1, Joseph Nozdrovicky 1, Nuno Ramos 1, Matt Kowalsky 1

ASSISTS: T, Taylor 3, Alex Kerwin 3; E, Smith 3, Hebron 2, McQuarrie 2, DiGiovanni 1, Faraday 1, Stockfisch 1, Pat Ammendolia 1.

SAVES: T, Michael Terrasi 6 (30 min., 12 goals allowed), Brian Atherton 9 (30 min., 6 goals allowed); E, Mark Hayes 15 (59 min., 9 goals allowed), Scott Fox 2 (1 min., 1 goal allowed).

SHOTS: T 39, E 47.

NORWICH, Conn. -- The Eastern Connecticut State University men's lacrosse team never allowed more than two consecutive goals in posting an 18-10 win over Tufts University Sunday in match played at Norwich Free Academy. The game was the season opener for the Jumbos.

Ranked seventh in New England and 17th nationally, Eastern (2-1) scored four straight goals after spotting the Jumbos (0-1) a 1-0 lead and never trailed thereafter. Eastern's defense never allowed Tufts to score more than two unanswered goals. The Jumbos, winless in two matches against Eastern, are ranked tenth in New England.

Sophomore Bryan Griffin (West Islip, NY), the NESCAC Rookie of the Year last spring, opened with five goals to lead the Jumbos. Sophomore UNC transfer David Taylor (Burke, VA) had two goals and three assists in his Jumbo debut. Senior tri-captain Alex Kerwin (Bethesda, MD) added three assists.

Senior All-America attackman Marc DiGiovanni was one of 11 players to contribute points for Eastern. DiGiovanni scored five goals. Sophomore attackman Brian Hebron added three goals and two assists and senior midfielder Andre Smith two goals and a career-high three assists for a career-high five points.

Senior goalie Mark Hayes made 15 saves to record his 30th career win. Hayes allowed goals on four of Tufts' first seven shots but settled down to allow only one on Tufts's next 15 attempts. Tufts starter Mike Terrasi (Franklin Square, NY) allowed 12 goals in the first half before he was relieved by Brian Atherton (Derry, NH), who made nine saves in the second half.

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