NEWTON, Mass. - Senior attack James Anderson compiled three goals and two assists, to go along with his 100th career goal, for the second-seeded Lasell University men's lacrosse team during a 13-6 victory over seventh-seeded Saint Joseph (Conn.) in the quarterfinal round of the GNAC Tournament Saturday afternoon on Grellier Field.

"It was a great team win today," said Anderson. "I love how the boys battled back. We got to stay focused and keep our eyes on the next opponent."

With the win, the Lasers (11-6, 9-1 GNAC) move onto the semifinals of the conference tournament and will host third-seeded Rivier (14-3, 8-2 GNAC) Wednesday at 6 p.m. on Grellier Field. The Raiders outlasted sixth-seeded Emmanuel, 10-9, in double overtime Saturday. The Lasers and Raiders played in a tightly contested game on March 26, in Nashua, New Hampshire, with Lasell prevailing, 7-6.

On Saturday, the Lasers received strong performances from Bash Cunningham (2 goals, 3 assists), Jordan Hines (3 goals), Landon Reyes (2 goals, asssist) and Nate Taggart (goal, assist). Senior goalie Alex Beauchemin, who has been named GNAC Goalkeeper of the Week twice this year, improved to 11-5 on the season, making a game-high 15 saves. 

"It was a great team win," said Lasell University Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Dieter Treusdell. "We had to respond after going down early. They showed a lot of heart today. Guys played in some different roles and really stepped up."

The Blue Jays (7-10, 4-6 GNAC) were led by Matt Guerin (3 goals, assist) and Ryan Paltauf (3 assists).

Saint Joseph came out of the gates flying, as the Blue Jays built a 3-0 lead at the end of one behind two goals by Guerin and two assists from Paltauf. Lasell responded in the second, scoring five straight goals. Cunningham was sensational during the run, as he recorded one goal and three assists. The hosts led, 5-4, at halftime.

Each team scored two goals during the third period, and then Lasell closed out the game in style, outscoring Saint Joseph, 6-0, in the final 15 minutes. Anderson tallied two goals and one assist in the frame, as his tally with 3:57 on the scoreboard was the 100th goal of his career.

Steven Phelps went 14 of 22 on faceoffs and collected five ground balls, tied for the most in the game. Lasell led the shots' category, 40-23, and held a 36-30 advantage in ground balls. The Lasers were 2 for 3 in man-up situations and went 17 for 20 on clears.

Director of Athletic Communications Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lasell.edu.

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