BROCKPORT, NY – Facing another ranked opponent, the SUNY Brockport men's lacrosse (0-6) showed resilience but ultimately fell 12-6 to No. 20 Clarkson University on Saturday afternoon. Despite keeping the game level early and holding the Golden Knights to their sedond lowest scoring output of the season, Brockport was unable to overcome a scoreless second quarter and a consistent Clarkson offense. 

How It Happened

The Golden Eagles came out firing in the opening frame, matching the Golden Knights blow-for-blow. After Clarkson jumped to a 2-0 lead, Daniel Wright put Brockport on the board with an unassisted tally. Marc Zappulla and Austin Thornhill followed suit with back-to-back goals in the final five minutes of the period to enter the second quarter knotted at 3-3.

Defensive grit defined the second period, as Brockport's unit forced several turnovers and limited the Golden Knights' opportunities. However, the offense struggled to find rhythm, and Clarkson managed to sneak away with a three-goal surge to take a 6-3 lead into halftime.

The Golden Knights extended their lead in the third, but Brockport refused to go away quietly. Daniel Wright secured his second goal of the day at the 4:01 mark, and Michael Dowden capitalized on an assist from Zappulla to bring the Golden Eagles within two at 7-5. Clarkson responded late in the period with two quick strikes to push the margin back to four.

In the final 15 minutes, Wright completed his hat trick to keep the Golden Eagles within striking distance. However, the Clarkson defense clamped down, and two late goals from the visitors sealed the 12-6 final.

Inside The Box Score

Daniel Wright led the offensive charge with 3 goals on 4 shots on goal. Marc Zappulla contributed 2 points with a goal and an assist. Michael Dowden and Austin Thornhill each added a goal to the Golden Eagle tally.

Jared Kulik recorded 18 saves in a full 60-minute performance, keeping Brockport competitive throughout the contest

The Golden Eagles' defensive unit was highly active, recording 6 caused turnovers and successfully clearing the ball 16 times. Austin Thornhill led the defensive effort with 2 caused turnovers and 2 ground balls.

Up Next: The Golden Eagles will travel to the USA Lacrosse Headquarters in Sparks, MD, to face off against Ithaca on Tuesday, March 17th, at 12 p.m.