FALLS CHURCH, Va. – John Countryman netted a season-high seven goals to help lead The College at Brockport past Utica College in Falls Church, Va. on Saturday, 14-5.
 
The Golden Eagles improve to 4-1 on the year while the Pioneers fall to 1-4 to start their season.
 
In the opening 11 minutes of play, the contest appeared to be a close one with a pair of goals from Utica matched by a pair of Green and Gold scores from Matt Malecki and Liam Cannon for a score of 2-2 with 4:03 to play in the opening period.
 
After the initial back and fourth, it didn't take long for the Golden Eagles to take control. In the final minute of the first period, Countryman and Casey Cleary both found the back of the cage to post a 4-2 lead.
 
The Golden Eagles picked up right where they left off in the second period, with five straight scores. Countryman netted three, with Cannon adding two to make the count 9-2 with 3:41 to play in the half. The Pioneers snuck in a goal before the break to make the count 9-3 at the midway point.
 
The second half saw a bit less scoring, but the Green and Gold still maintained control of the contest. Again, Utica opened with a score, but Brockport answered in the form of two goals, one from Cannon in a man-down situation and a Marcus Palvino goal. Utica would strike again before the close of the third to make the score 11-5 after three.
 
In the final period it was all Green and Gold, as Countryman worked in three straight goals, off set ups from Colin Blind, Malecki and Palvino. The Brockport defense stood tall, holding the Pioneers scoreless in the final period, securing the 14-5 victory.
 
The Golden Eagles fired off 47 shots on the day to their opponents 24, with 26 Green and Gold shots on goal. Brockport forced 25 Pioneer turnovers and went a perfect 26-of-26 on clear attempts. The Golden Eagles scooped up 28 ground balls, and picked up 11 faceoff wins.
 
On defense, Steven Gurin led the way with three caused turnovers on the day. Countryman, Pat Quinlivan and Michael Drankwater all picked up a pair of CT's. Gabriel Coppola picked up six ground balls, with Gurin and Palvino each snagging three.
 
Dallas Meyers picked up over 35 minutes of play, 11 saves and the win. Conor Nowak played the Brockport net minder for just under 25 minutes, snagging two saves.
 
The Golden Eagles will be back in action on March 23 when they host Hilbert College, with a 4 p.m. opening faceoff.