MLAX: Lasers Advance Past NEC to GNAC Semifinals

Newton, MA - Top-seeded Lasell University men's lacrosse advanced to the GNAC Semifinal game with a commanding 15-8 win over fourth-seeded New England College on Saturday afternoon at Grellier Field.

Lasell (13-4, 9-0) came out strong, answering an early NEC goal with four straight to close the first quarter. Matthew Carbone sparked the Lasers with an unassisted goal just six seconds after NEC scored, and Jack Condon took over from there, netting two goals off assists from Jason Martin. Ryan Stone added another late goal to make it 4-1 after one. 

The second quarter saw the Lasers extend the lead behind a balanced offense. Jason Martin scored unassisted before setting up Stone for a man-up goal. After NEC cut into the lead, Lasell answered with goals from Finnegan McCormack and Martin again. Despite a brief NEC surge late in the half, Lasell held an 8-5 lead at halftime.

Lasell kept its foot on the gas after the break. Colin LeBaron finished a transition opportunity off a pass from Stone, and Martin and Stone each added goals to stretch the lead to 11-6. Though NEC scored once more before the quarter's end, the Lasers' defense and goalie Michael Catalano (12 saves) kept them in control.

In the fourth, Lasell put the game away with a final surge. Nate Campbell, Condon, Stone, and Carbone each found the back of the net, sealing the 15-8 victory. Lasell's offense was firing on all cylinders, led by Jason Martin's eight-point outing (3 goals, 5 assists) and Ryan Stone's five points (4 goals, 1 assist). Jack Condon also recorded a hat trick with three goals and one assist.

Daniel Varga led New England College (8-9, 4-4) with three goals, while Henri Pfeifle chipped in two goals and an assist. Goalie Nate Finn made 13 saves in the loss.

Up Next - The Lasers are now set to host once again, primed for their semifinal matchup against the two-seeded Emmanuel College Saints on Tuesday night at Grellier Field.