After riding its offense during the first four games of the season, the Colorado College men's lacrosse team utilized a strong defensive effort late in the game to preserve a 10-8 victory at St. Mary's College of Maryland on Friday afternoon.

The Tigers man-down unit killed a 30-second penalty and caused a turnover with 1:22 remaining to seal the victory.

First-year goaltender Ben Anastos finished with eight saves for Colorado College and made the crucial interception that allowed the Tigers to run out the clock.

John Lawrence picked up a game-high five ground balls, while Isaac Atencio and Billy Hutchison each recorded three ground balls and a caused turnover to lead the CC defense.

"It was an interesting game against a good team," head coach Sean Woods said. "The first half saw shaky offense and great defense led by captains Issac Atencio and Billy Hutchison. Anastos was also solid in the goal. Our offense really came alive in the 3rd and all but put them away."

Jack Haims ignited a 5-0 run with 4:47 remaining in the third quarter to give Colorado College a 10-4 lead with 2:03 into the fourth quarter, but the Seahawks battled back with four consecutive goals to pull to within 10-8 with 7:22 to play on a tally by Abe Hubbard. 

That proved to be as close as SMC would get.

"After going up 10-4, we didn't close the game out like we should have, but proud of the team for gutting out a good win," Woods said. "We knew it would be a 60-minute battle with both teams receiving votes in the polls."

Anders Erickson and Elliot Nelson struck for early goals to give the Tigers a lead they would never relinquish.

CC appeared to be on the verge of breaking the game open when Haims' second goal gave the Tigers a 5-2 lead early in the second quarter, however a pair of markers from Dominic Venanzi pulled the Seahawks to within one in the opening minute of the second half.

Erickson led Colorado College with two goals and two assists, while Haims scored twice and set up another.

Winston Chodnicki went 9-for-15 at the dot and picked up three ground balls for the Tigers. The sophomore face-off specialist also scored a goal.

CC finished with a 43-29 advantage in total shots and a 35-24 edge in ground balls.
 
It was an interesting game against a good team. The first half saw shaky offense and great defense led by captains Issac Atencio and Billy Hutchison. Anastos was also solid in the goal. Our offense really came alive in the 3rd and all but put them away.
     
    
Colorado College Standouts
Elliot Nelson scored a pair of goals for the Tigers.
Luca Lietti scored a goal and grabbed four ground balls.

St. Mary's Standouts
Abe Hubbard led the Seahawks with three goals.
Jude Brown scored twice and dished out a pair of assists.
 
Notes
Colorado College improved to 5-0.
St. Mary's slipped to 2-3.
 
Next for the Tigers
Colorado College wraps up its two-game trip to Maryland on Sunday at No. 4 Salisbury University.