A two-goal, first-half lead slipped away from the Clarkson University Lacrosse team on a rainy Wednesday afternoon as the Golden Knights lost for first time in seven games to cross-town rival Potsdam State, dropping a 10-7 decision on the Bear’s artificial turf field.
The Golden Knights led 2-0 after the first quarter and 4-2 at the half, but Potsdam rallied in its season-opener, out scoring the Green and Gold 8-3 over the final 30 minutes, including a 5-2 fourth-quarter advantage to gain it first win against Clarkson since 2000.
Junior Jamie Merritt (Ballston Spa, NY) and sophomore Cory Schneider (Yorktown, NY) led the Clarkson attack with two goals apiece. Sophomore Brian Hoey (Auburn, NY) and Greg Gibbons (Baldwinsville, NY) and freshman defenseman Brian Knecht (Geneva, NY) chipped in one goal each. Sophomore Tom Ross (Adams, NY) set up three goals for the Knights.
Sophomore Eric Wolery (Cincinnati, OH) made seven saves in the Clarkson goal.
The Knights out shot the Bears 33-19, while Potsdam held a slight edge in groundballs, 19-16. Clarkson won 14 of 18 faceoffs.
Clarkson (0-2) will look to gain its first win of the season when it plays Bowdoin College on Saturday in the first of three games during its Florida spring trip.
