Newton, MA-  The Massachusetts Institute of Technology men’s lacrosse team  improved to a 5-5 overall slate after triumphing, 5-1, over the Lasell College Lasers on a rainy and cold Saturday afternoon at Grellier Field.   The Lasers fall to a 2-10 mark this season, and a 1-3 conference record.

MIT jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first quarter, followed by both teams tallying one mark in the second frame before a completely scoreless second half.  The Engineers held a slight 20-17 advantage in the shot column, which included scoring on four-of-five chances in the first period.  Lasell won the battle of ground balls (26-24) and face-offs (5-9).

Tom Hay (Alexandria, VA) hit quick, just over two minutes into the game.  MIT’s offense held possession off the initial face-off and waited to find the right opportunity to strike. Hay received a pass at the plane of the goal and drove around the cage to improve his angel, firing on the right side. The visitors put just twenty seconds between goals when Alex Andrzewski (Powell, OH) picked off a Laser clear attempt and fired a pass to Gabe Blanchet (Hadley, MA) who split through the defense and scored just within the near-side post.

Carl Tilbury (Newbury, Berkshire, UNITED KINGDOM) registered the next two attacks by the visitors over a four minute span.  Tilbury struck first from ten yards out with a straight-on shot at the Laser net at 10:39.  His second goal came about at 6:29 as he tore from the restraining line and sliced a shot in the same fashion as the last, giving the Engineers a 4-0 first quarter edge.

After three and a half minutes without a tally in the second, Tilbury dished a diving pass to John Kucharczyk (Manhassat, NY) who cut through the middle to shoot a high bouncer for the Engineers final goal.

Lasell capped the scoring with 1:15 left in the half when Adam Foss (Billerica, MA) fed the crease and Jon Elia (East Lyme, CT) tipped in the Lasers’ sole goal.

Christopher Rullan (Wexford, PA) collected eight saves in the net during MIT’s victory.  Laser keeper Eric Walsh (Weymouth, MA) stopped five Engineer shots in the defeat.

Anthony Erz (Hampton, NJ) captured 5-for-9 face-off opportunities for Lasell and Garth Grove (Jarrettsville, MD) went 4-for-7 for the Engineers.

Lasell travels next to Wheaton College on Wednesday, April 21st for a 4:00 p.m. game with the Lions.