Hall of Fame coach Steve Beville recorded his 400th career win Saturday after a 17-8 victory at Oneonta.
ONEONTA, N.Y. — The Cortland men’s lacrosse team led from start to finish in the battle of the Red Dragons. At one point leading 12-2, the convincing 17-8 victory was a special one for Steve Beville. Beville, already the career victory’s leader at Cortland, earned his 400th career win improving his record to 400-175 (239-57 at Cortland).
Now winners of four straight, Cortland (10-4, 4-1 SUNYAC) powered past Oneonta (7-5, 3-2 SUNYAC) led by seniors Dante Yacavone and Tyler Starrett. Yacavone led all scorers with four goals and an assist while Starrett added three goals of his own. Both adding two goals and an assist each, Cortland enjoyed efficient performances from senior Jason Chiodo and sophomore Caden Yancey.
The first quarter was one sided as six different players scored goals for Cortland, taking a 7-1 lead early. After being stretched out to 17-3 heading into the fourth-quarter, Oneonta chopped five goals off the lead late.
Freshman standout Jamie O’Neil paced Oneonta with four goals. David Guest, Matthew Mangels, Evan Kelly and Jack Dinnegan each added one goal apiece. Matthew Krieg led Oneonta with two assists, while Sam Haita and Connor Gallagher each added one.
Due to the early lead, Beville was able to go deep into his goalkeeper rotation. Junior Travis Wagner started in goal for Cortland per usual, making six saves in 39:34. Senior Matt Stento saved four shots in 9:24, and freshman Nick Matthes also recorded four saves over 11:02. Matthes had only 11:53 of game time logged over two appearances coming into the contest.
Sophomore midfielder Alex Thrasher believes Cortland is playing some of their best lacrosse of the season: “Both offensive and defensively we were confident, we executed what we needed to and it showed — our team chemistry is at the highest it’s been in a while.”
Only two regular season games remain before postseason play begins when Cortland will attempt to win their fifth straight SUNYAC title.
“We all want to play in the SUNYAC Championship, it’s always a great game and turnout at the end of the semester. I think post season Cortland lacrosse will really come alive here in the next few weeks.”