A slow start was too much to overcome as the Panthers men's lacrosse team lost to Herkimer College on Saturday, 15-4. The Panthers, who earlier in the week learned they would be awarded a forfeit win for the season-opening game against Monroe Community College, now stand at 2-3 overall and 2-1 in Region 3. Herkimer is 5-5 overall and 3-1 in region.

The first quarter was rough for the visitors. Herkimer scored seven unanswered goals while peppering Tompkins Cortland goalie Matt Nichols (Waverly/Waverly H.S.). The Generals added two more in the second quarter to take a 9-0 lead into the half.  The Panthers got on the board in the third with a pair of scores, but Herkimer still managed to extend the lead with four of their own. Each team netted a pair of goals in the fourth to make the final 15-4.

Despite the loss, Nichols had a strong game in goal. He recorded 10 saves in the first quarter alone and finished the game with 24 saves, tied for his season high. Nick McCabe (Binghamton/Chenango Forks H.S.) led the attack with four points on two goals and two assists. Louie Profetta (Ontario/Wayne H.S.) had two goals and Aidan Sullivan (Ontario/Wayne H.S.) had an assist. Sullivan led the team with seven caused turnovers, followed by Skylar Running Rabbit (Siksika Nation, Alberta/Strathmore H.S.) and Luke Darling (Cortland/Cortland H.S.) with three each.

Looking ahead

The Panthers return home Friday to host Hudson Valley Community College at 5 p.m.