Four of the most recent products of the Skaneateles boys lacrosse program found themselves on the same turf Saturday when Cortland State hosted Union College.
Senior Eric Richards and freshman Zach Brownlee, both midfielders, play for the Red Dragons, while junior Kyle Christine and sophomore Kyle McQuiggan suit up for the Dutchmen.
It was Cortland State’s second game of the season, while Union was playing its season opener. Perhaps that extra bit of game action aided the Red Dragons as it blanked the Dutchmen in the first half and went on to a 6-4 victory.
Cortland State, no. 4 in the national rankings, scored twice in a span of less than 90 seconds in the first quarter against Union, who had the no. 12 national ranking. While not getting anything more in that period, the Red Dragons tacked on another goal in the second period, making it 3-0 at the break.
Christine aided in Union’s comeback attempt in the third goal. After Nolan Connors converted to put the Dutchmen on the board, Christine’s pass set up Ted McKenna for the goal that made it 3-2 midway through the period.
But Cortland State had a ready response at the start of the final period as, in order, Greg Wright, Brian Winterfeldt and Joe Slavik all found the net to make it 6-2. Despite two late goals by Union, the Red Dragons held on.
For the victorious Red Dragons, Richards took two shots and Brownlee picked up a ground ball. Christine won three of 10 face-offs and, aside from his assist, also gained two ground balls, while McQuiggan managed two ground balls.
