Seahawks roll past Beacons, 21-7, to earn first win of 2011

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. - Junior Chris Walker (Marshfield, Mass.) scored four goals and freshman Curtis McKeon (West Haven, Conn.) won 20-of-27 face-offs as the Salve Regina University men's lacrosse team rolled to a 21-7 win over UMass Boston in non-conference action Wednesday evening at Gaudet Field.

Senior Evan Gates (Ridge, N.J), junior Brendan Carroll (Garden City, N.Y.), and freshman Chad Hollenshade (Lutherville, Md.) each netted three goals for the Seahawks (1-2), who picked up their first win of 2011 and evened the all-time series with the Beacons (0-1) at four games apiece. Freshmen Donovan Kelley (Lee, N.H.), Michael Samek (Kensington, Conn.), and Nick Coyle (Merrick, N.Y.) all scored their first collegiate goals for Salve Regina while senior Michael Augustus (Bristol, R.I.) potted his first two goals of the season. Carroll and fellow junior Brendan Rooney (West Newton, Mass.) each dished out three assists.

The Beacons were paced by freshman Dean Driscoll (Cohasset, Mass.), who tallied three goals in his collegiate debut. Classmate Tommy Petitti (Quincu, Mass.) chipped in with two goals and an assist while junior Pat Driscoll (Hingham, Mass.) - who led UMB in scoring last season - handed out two assists.

"It was nice to see a lof of the freshmen play well," said Seahawks head coach Pat Cooney. "I thought we did very well on face-offs. Curtisdid an outstanding job for us and will continue to do so."

The Seahawks scored the first five goals of the game, led 9-2 after one quarter of play, and build a 15-3 lead at halftime. Gates and Hollenshade scored all three of their goals in the first half while Petitti racked up his two in the first 30 minutes. UMB's Peyton McKechnie (Cheshire, Conn.) recorded his first collegiate goal in the third quarter while Kelley tallied his first in the fourth quarter.

Salve Regina outshot UMass Boston 56-31, held a 53-37 edge in ground balls, and converted 95 percent of its clear attempts (19-of-20). Senior Brett Pimental (East Falmouth, Mass.) started in goal for the Seahawks and stopped six of the 10 shots he faced in 45 minutes of action before being relieved by sophomore Evan Simone (Dover, N.H.) to start the fourth. Simone finished with five saves.

Senior Peter Towe (Hockessin, Del.) started in goal for the Beacons and allowed a total of 13 goals on 20 shots. Junior Anthony Fitti (Havertown, Pa.) also appeared in net and allowed eight goals on 13 shots.

The Seahawks return to action on Saturday when they host MIT at 1 p.m. at Gaudet Field. The Beacons travel to Babson for a 7 p.m. game next Wednesday, March 16.