BOSTON - Lacrosse extended their regular-season conference win-streak to 14 straight on their way to taking sole possession of first place in the Little East Conference standings as they dispatched WestConn by the final of 23-14 Wednesday evening at James Cotter Field.
 
THE BASICS:
UMass Boston 23, Western Connecticut State 14
 
UMass Boston (12-2, 6-0 Little East Conference)
Western Connecticut State (11-2, 4-1 Little East Conference)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
In a rematch of the 2021 title game, the two rivals exchanged goal early in the first quarter as they battled to take control of the scoreboard. The back-and-forth battle would continue well into the second quarter, but the Beacons would have the final say before the half as they scored three straight to take an 11-7 lead.
 
That quick 3-0 run sparked by Michael Claflin quickly evolved into a 7-0 advantage for the Beacons as they extended their scoring streak to the midway point of the third quarter. With his game-changing goal late in the second, Claflin registered his 100^th career point, making him just the 25^th player in program history to reach the milestone.
 
The Beacons' run, which gave them a healthy 15-7 lead, saw three goals from goal-leader Gavin Admirand. Admirand's four goal game was a welcome sight for the Beacons after his uncharacteristically quiet, one goal performance last Saturday against Keene State.
 
Jacob Banks also contributed to the offensive explosion with his second five goal game of the season.
 
Christian Meinhold was brilliant between the pipes as he made 13 stops.
 
Defensively the Beacons continued their strong play, led by a five caused turnover performance by Patrick Carey. Justin McCullough was just as solid as he collected five CT's while also scooping up two ground balls. Luke Murphy finished second on the team with six ground balls.
 
Face-off man Jason McNeany finished 15-for-24 on the "X" and had a team-leading nine GB's.  
 
BY THE NUMBERS:

• The Beacons continued their high success rate on clear attempts, succeeding on 19 of 20
• UMB won 23 of 40 face-offs and scooped 46 ground balls compared to 28 for WestConn
• Lacrosse has now won 14 straight regular season conference games
• The Beacons have now won 8 straight matchups with WestConn, dating back to 2016

 
WHO'S NEXT:
The Beacons will travel to Eastern Connecticut State University on Saturday for a 1 p.m. conference game.