Genesee holds off Monroe in season opener

ROCHESTER - The MCC men's lacrosse team jumped out to a quick start, but the GCC Cougars responded with two big quarters to pull away for a 15-10 win Tuesday in the season opener for both teams.

The 10th-ranked Tribunes (0-1) led 4-2 after the first quarter. But No. 4 Genesee responded by outscoring Monroe 5-1 in the second and 5-3 in the third to take command. MCC cut the lead to four a handful of times in the fourth, but could come no closer.

Faceoffs were key, as the Cougars won 18 out of 28 on the day to help maintain possession. Genesee also held a 40-26 edge in ground balls.

GCC scored the first goal a little over a minute into the game. MCC then rattled off three straight to take an early lead. TJ Day and Nick Kallio found the back of the net, and Patrick Brewer then scored on the man advantage to make it 3-1.

The Cougars got one back, but Kallio scored again to make it 4-2 heading to the second quarter.

Genesee took command in the second, as five different goal scorers found the back of the net to make it 7-5 at the half. GCC then scored five more in the third on its way to the win.

Day finished with four goals for the Tribunes.  Brewer added two goals and an assist, while Kallio also scored twice. Zack DeFazio and Brandon Barnhart chipped in with a goal and two assists apiece.

Mark Campbell was strong in the cage for Monroe. The sophomore goalie stopped 17 Cougar shots on the night. Adam Witscheber scooped up six ground balls, while Campbell and Trevor Knoepfler had four each.