April 19, 2003

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart College lacrosse team outscored visiting Army 7-2 in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 10-3 halftime deficit, as the Black Knights hung on for a 12-10 Patriot League victory in front of 1,300 fans at AstroTurf Stadium. Army’s John Walker (Dix Hills, N.Y.) netted four first half goals to lead all scorers.

A first-year attackman, Walker opened the game’s scoring 64 seconds in with an unassisted tally, his 22nd of the season. Hobart junior attackman Mark Williamson (Corning East/Corning, N.Y.) responded with a goal of his own less than a minute later. Senior midfielder Chris Woods (Wilton, Conn.) put the visitors back in front, but the Statesmen responded again. This time first-year attackman Mike Conklin (West Genesee/Syracuse, N.Y.) fired home a feed from Williamson.

Junior attackman Jeff Bryan gave Army a 3-2 lead at the 10:23 mark, but, with 5:19 remaining in the opening frame, Hobart equalized on first-year midfielder Pat Meade’s (Schenectady/Schenectady, N.Y.) third goal of the season.

The Black Knights took control of the contest with three goals in just 47 seconds to carry a 6-3 advantage into the second quarter. Army continued to roll in the second, netting all four goals of the stanza, completing a 7-0 run, keyed by three scores off the stick of Walker.

As much as the first half belonged to the Black Knights, the Statesmen controlled the play after the intermission.

Hobart started to build momentum, netting back-to-back extra-man goals to start the third quarter. Senior midfielder Tim Booth (Waterloo/Waterloo, N.Y.) registered the first, followed by sophomore midfielder Sean Reed (Waterloo/Waterloo, N.Y.). Both scores were set up by senior midfielder Kris Shore (Liverpool/Liverpool, N.Y.).

Junior midfielder Marko Kostovic (Seaford, N.Y.) scored what proved the game-winner with 5:16 remaining in the third quarter. He added a second-tally late in the frame.

The Statesmen netted five of the game’s final six goals to close to within two with 1:22 remaining, but could get no closer.

Booth led Hobart with two goals and two assists, while posting a 14-8 record at the faceoff X against first-year Tony Vozzolo (Bellmore, N.Y.), who entered the game leading the League in faceoff percentage (.645). Williamson added a goal, two assists, and seven ground balls, while senior attackman John Bogosian (Kent School/Massena, N.Y.) contributed two goals and an assist.

Woods added three goals for Army.

In goal, sophomore Matt Darak (Lake Grove, N.Y.) made a season-high 24 saves, while junior Dan Valente (Mt. Hebron/Ellicott City, Md.) and senior Mike Borsz (West Genesee/Camillus, N.Y.) combined for eight stops.

Army improves to 7-5 overall, 4-1 in the Patriot League, while the Statesmen fall to 5-6, 4-2. Coupled with a 10-9 Bucknell win at Colgate this afternoon, the Black Knights need to top Lafayette on April 29, to secure the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Hobart returns to action on April 29, in its final home game of the season. The Statesmen will host Loyola at noon. In a special halftime ceremony, the Colleges' will dedicate the AstroTurf field H.J. McCooey Memorial Field, and the Hobart Hall of Fame Class of 2003 will be honored.