Statistics

NORTON, Mass. -- The University of New England flipped a one-goal deficit with five unanswered to start the 4th quarter, on the way back to a 9-6 triumph against Wheaton College (Mass.) in the men's lacrosse season-opener on Monday night (Feb. 26) at Nordin Field.

Alex Zadworny netted the last three scores for the Nor'easters (1-0), who gained the edge for good on the second tally of the game by Garett Bozek with 6:55 to go.

UNE had tied things up twice in the 3rd (3-3, 4-4), only to see the Lyons (0-1) nudge back in front each time. Donovan Connor started the final frame to get the visitors back even (5-5).

Matt Layton dominated the face-offs for the winning side, taking 16-of-17 and grabbing 10 ground balls. Adam Race had nine ground balls with three caused turnovers, and goalie Tyler Nevers denied eight shots to backstop the result.

The Nor'easters finished with a 40-28 advantage in tries-on-target.

Gil Bach paced the hosts with three goals, including a pair as Wheaton scored three in-a-row to take a 3-2 lead at the half. Josh Talanian supported with two markers, and Joey Mitchell posted 10 saves.

UNE will return to Biddeford and the Big Blue Turf on Saturday (1 p.m.) to square off with Plymouth State University.