Cornell’s men’s lacrosse team used a 4-0 scoring run early in the fourth quarter to break free from Beloit in Saturday’s 9-7 victory at Van Metre Field at Ash Park.
The Rams (2-2) recorded their third consecutive series win over Beloit (0-1) and improved to 2-0 on their home turf this season.
Senior Luke Baldwin tallied a career-high five goals and goalie Thomas Cook tallied 12 saves in the complete-game victory, which saw the Rams earn a commanding 56-28 advantage in ground balls.
Tied 3-3 at the half and 5-5 through three quarters, Cornell gained some breathing room with four consecutive goals to start the final period. Ash Hoelscher struck twice during the pivotal run, while Brandon Warnke and Baldwin each scored once to give the Rams a 9-5 cushion with 10:43 remaining.
Torii Greiskalns accounted for six caused turnovers and nine ground balls, both team-highs. Hoelscher grabbed eight ground balls and won 12-of-18 faceoffs. Tyler Foster chipped in one goal, one assist and three caused turnovers.
The Rams attempted 48 total shots, including 13 from Baldwin. Cornell converted 21-of-24 clear chances.
Earlier in the week, the Rams took an 11-3 home-opening lacrosse victory over Concordia Chicago.
The Rams controlled possession and had nine players register a point on path to their first win of the season.
After a scoreless first period for both teams, Cornell junior Ash Hoelscher broke the ice with an unassisted goal with 11:03 left in the opening half. That started a string of six consecutive goals for the Rams – including back-to-back tallies by freshman Charley Kobets – as Cornell opened a 6-0 lead early in the third period.
Concordia (0-3) trimmed the margin to 6-2 before the Rams pulled away with five unanswered goals to start the fourth period, including consecutive scores by junior Matt Norwood.
Luke Baldwin and Kobets paced Cornell’s balanced attack with three goals apiece. Kobets also dished two assists. Norwood scored twice, while Hoelscher, Lincoln Warner and Brandon Warnke added one goal apiece for the Rams, who held a decisive 49-18 advantage in total shots.
Junior Torii Greiskalns led the defense with eight ground balls and five caused turnovers. Hoelscher posted seven ground balls and won 16-of-17 faceoff chances.
Goalie Thomas Cook recorded seven saves in the complete-game victory.