A strong finish wasn't enough to overcome a slow start as the Tompkins Cortland Community College men's lacrosse team dropped a 13-8 decision at Hudson Valley Community College Friday. The Panthers are now 2-2 overall and in Region 3; Hudson Valley improves to 6-4 overall and 4-3 in Region 3.

The Panthers hadn't taken the field for a game in nearly two weeks, and the Vikings took advantage of the rust by running out to a 4-0 lead after the first quarter. After an even second quarter, Hudson Valley enjoyed a big third quarter to take an 11-2 lead into the fourth quarter. A furious rally in the fourth brought the game back in reach, but time ran out on the Panthers.

Tosh Marshall (Sylvan Lake, Alberta/H.J. Cody H.S.) led the team in scoring with five points on two goals and three assists. Brett Willcox (Ithaca/Ithaca H.S.) recorded three goals and an assist while Matthew Salerno (Campbell Hill/Goshen H.S.) went for one and one. Logan Nordman (Onondaga/Onondaga H.S.) and Liam Moore (Ithaca/Ithaca H.S.) each finished with a goal. Declan Fullerton (Westchester/Walter Panas H.S.) had 19 saves in goal.

Looking ahead

The Panthers host Onondaga Community College Tuesday at 4 p.m.