March 9, 2002

WEST POINT, N.Y.—A six-goal halftime lead proved to much to overcome for the Hobart College lacrosse team in its Patriot League opener against 19th-ranked Army. An explosive second quarter helped carry the Black Knights past the Statesmen, 14-11, despite a career-high four goals from junior captain Tim Booth (Waterloo/Waterloo, N.Y.).

Hobart started quickly, grabbing a 1-0 lead just 1:10 into the contest. Junior attackman Kris Shore (Liverpool/Liverpool, N.Y.) scored off a feed from first-year attackman Nate Hill (Hamburg/Hamburg, N.Y.). Hill set up Booth at the 10:04 mark to double the lead. Five minutes later Army went on 4-0 run to close the first quarter, getting two goals from senior attackman Tim Pearson (Comsewogue/Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.).

Booth got the Statesmen back to within one five minutes into the second quarter, before another four-goal run gave the Black Knights an 8-3 advantage. With 3:33 to go, junior attackman John Bogosian (Kent School/Massena, N.Y.) converted on an extra-man opportunity, but Army netted the next two and led 10-4 at the half.

Hobart stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring the Black Knights 5-1. Bogosian started the charge with another extra-man goal at the 11:38 mark. Hill set up Booth for a third extra-man tally 17 seconds later. After an Army goal briefly interrupted the Statesmen run, first-year midfielder Nate Molinari (Oswego/Oswego, N.Y.) scored to cut the lead to 11-7. Shore netted the next two goals to complete the hat trick and get Hobart within two to start the final quarter, but the Statesmen couldn’t get any closer.

Pearson put the Statesmen away in the final 15 minutes, scoring two goals and assisting on a third to help Army (2-1, 1-0 PL) out distance Hobart 14-11. He finished with four goals and three assists. Booth scored his fourth of the day with 6:17 left and Hill completed his four-point game (1-3) with a goal at the 1:32 mark.

In goal, junior Mike Borsz (West Genesee/Camillus, N.Y.) kept the Statesmen in the game with a career-high 22 saves, while Black Knight senior Dominick Nogic (St. Anthony/Huntington Station, N.Y.) stopped 11 shots for the win.

Booth had a strong day all around. In addition to his four goals, he picked up a team-high five ground balls and won 12 of his 22 faceoffs.

Hobart (1-2, 0-1 PL) continues conference play when Lafayette College comes to Geneva on March 16, for a 1 p.m. contest. The Leopards are winless in five meetings with the Statesmen.