Defense key again as Monroe tops Hudson Valley

ROCHESTER - The MCC men's lacrosse team used another standout performance from its defense to earn an 11-1 victory over Hudson Valley Community College Saturday afternoon for Monroe's third straight win.

The Tribunes (3-1) have allowed just seven goals over those three games, including one each in the past two.

Led by Adam Witscheber, Bryce Saba, and Trevor Knoepfler, the MCC defense harassed the Viking shooters all game. When Hudson Valley was able to get a shot, they were met by goalie Mark Campbell, who stopped 17 of HVCC's 18 attempts on goal.

Leading just 2-1 at the half, Monroe broke it open with four goals in the third. Nick Kallio made it 3-1 before Patrick Brewer scored twice to push the lead to four.  Brandon Barnhart then scored late in the frame off a Brewer feed to make it 6-1 heading to the fourth.

MCC added five more in the final quarter to put it away. Zack DeFazio and TJ Day scored twice each to highlight the frame.

Brewer finished with three goals and Day added two goals and four assists. Kallio tallied two goals and two assists, with Barnhart and DeFazio scoring twice each.

Witscheber and Jared George gathered seven ground balls apiece for MCC.  Knoepfler and Austin Foe picked up five each. Witscheber, Knoepfler, and Saba combined to force eight of Hudson Valley's 29 turnovers.

Reed Perestam won 11 out of 15 faceoffs for the Tribunes.