Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Photos by Joe Francis

ITHACA, N.Y. – Tasked with a rematch against a squad the #6/6 UAlbany men's lacrosse team fell to in the regular season, the Great Danes dominated the day 19-10 at #11/11 Cornell to return to the NCAA quarterfinal round.

Down 2-0 early, UAlbany (16-2) rolled off 11 consecutive goals and held off Cornell (10-6) for 26:30 to lead at halftime 11-3. Cornell got to within six, but UAlbany used a Blaze Riorden goalkeeper score, finishing the third quarter, to build the momentum and take control for good, outscoring the Big Red 6-3 in the final 20 minutes.

UAlbany will move on the NCAA Quarterfinal round in Denver and will take on 1-seed Notre Dame at the Mile High Stadium at a time to be announced on Saturday, May 16th.

Riorden saved 20 shots on the day, just one shy of his career-high and setting a career-best in the NCAAs, routinely starting plays in transition for the UAlbany offense. His goal is the second of his college career and first-ever with a goalie's stick.

UA #31 Mike Russell, #24 Kason Tarbell of Cornell, and UA #25 Stone Sims. All photos by Joe Francis.

Lyle Thompson tied the NCAA DI record in assists today held by Tim Nelson, totaling 221 in his career. He earned three goals and six assists for nine points, standing with 395 points in his career. In addition, he stands with 116 points, the third-highest single season points mark in DI history behind his own 2014 mark of 128 and Miles Thompson's mark of 119.

Connor Fields led UAlbany in goals with four to total 60 on the season, the third-highest mark in program history. He added an assist and three ground balls.

Seth Oakes finished with two goals, an assist and a caused turnover on the ride. Derrick Eccles and John Maloney each scored a pair of goals. As a team, UAlbany outshot Cornell 52-45.

For Cornell, Connor Buczek led the way with two goals and an assist, while Matt Donovan had a goal and two assists. Christian Knight got the loss in goal despite 19 saves.