Score: No. 2 Ithaca College 22, Elmira College 3
Records: Ithaca (15-1, 7-0 Empire 8), Elmira (4-8, 1-6 Empire 8)
Location: Campus Field - Elmira, NY

Elmira, NY -- The Elmira College men's lacrosse team was defeated 22-3 by Ithaca College in Empire 8 Conference action on Wednesday afternoon at Campus Field.

The Bombers, who jumped to No. 2 in the most recent United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) Division III Coaches Poll, illustrated why they are ranked among the best in the county with an overwhelming performance against the Soaring Eagles. Ithaca scored seven goals in each of the first three quarters to lead by as much as 20.

EC opened the second quarter with a tally off the stick of Nevin Olney '18. Olney received a pass on the left-wing side from Wyatt Katsos '17 behind the goal-line extended and fired it low to beat Ithaca starting goalie Scott Sidnam at the 10:51 mark of the second quarter.

The Soaring Eagles were then held scoreless until late in the fourth quarter, where Anthony LaRusso '17 and Skyler Pradelski '16 each netted unassisted goals. LaRusso spun to his left along the goal line to get inside of his defender and onto the doorsteps of the crease, scoring Elmira's second goal with 3:45 remaining in the fourth quarter. Then with just over a minute to play, Pradelski managed to bounce a shot past backup netminder Davis Bird despite being draped by Ithaca midfielder Connor Crosson.

Although the EC defense surrendered 22 goals for the second straight game, goaltender Cameron Prior '17 stood his ground between the pipes. In 56:08 of playing time, Prior registered 24 saves, tying his season high and marking his fifth game with 20-plus saves this year.

Turning Point
Prior's performance in goal for the Soaring Eagles was admirable. The third-year goalie from Malden, MA, entered Wednesday's contest leading the league in saves per game, and his average will only increase after stopping 24 more shots on Wednesday. The EC defense, however, was unable to contain the conference's highest-scoring offense, as second-ranked Ithaca unleashed a total of 65 shots en route to scoring 22 goals.

Inside the Box

• The Bombers finished with advantages in shots (65-to-12), ground balls (58-to-31), and faceoff wins (25-to-4).
• Ithaca scored twice on the power play but was not assessed a penalty to hold Elmira without any man-up chances.
• Thanks to Prior's 24-save effort, the Soaring Eagles edged the Bombers in saves 24-to-4.
• LaRusso, Pradelski and Olney each scored one goal for EC.
• Katsos earned an assist on LaRusso's goal.
• EC defenseman AJ Bourdon '16 caused four turnovers.
• Fellow defender Bryce Richmond '16 picked up a team-best five ground balls.
• Nine different Bombers scored at least one goal, led by John Januskiewicz and Grosson with four apiece.
• Grant Osachey won 10-of-11 faceoffs and scooped up a team-high nine ground balls.
• Sidnam played the first half in goal for Ithaca, earning with win after making one save and surrendering one goal.
• Jack Deragon relieved Sidnam in the third quarter and led the Bombers with two saves.

News and Notes

• EC fell to 0-2 versus nationally-ranked teams in 2016.
• The 22 goals allowed to Ithaca tied a season-high for Elmira. It marks the first time EC has surrendered 20-or-more goals in back-to-back games since April 18-21, 2012.
• Pradelski kept his scoring streak alive and now has a goal in 11 consecutive games.
• LaRusso has earned at least one point in 11 straight games.
• Prior equaled his season high by making 24 saves.

Up Next
Elmira College will conclude the 2016 regular season on the road on Saturday, April 30th, with a 1:00 p.m. visit to the Pioneers of Utica College.