DUDLEY, Mass. - UMass Boston Men's lLacrosse bounced back in a big way on Wednesday afternoon, scoring 12 first half goals and holding off a late comeback from Nichols to secure the victory by a final score of 18-12.
 
THE BASICS
 
UMass Boston 18, Nichols College 12
 
UMass Boston (1-1)
Nichols College (1-1)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Beacons' first goal, on their second possession of the game, opened up a 4-0 run spanning under three minutes of game time. The Bison did not possess the ball once during the run, thanks in large part to face-off specialist Matt Lucozzi, who won the face-off after each of the goals.
 
Lucozzi, a transfer from Merrimack College, enjoyed a career day in his second game with the Beacons, winning 20 of his 25 face-offs. 
 
After finding the back of the net five times in the opening period, the Beacons managed to outdo themselves in the second, converting five goals on just nine shots on goal. Leading scorer Gavin Admirand and new addition Connor Smith led the way in the second period with four points each.
 
After a quiet debut, Smith came out firing on Wednesday with four goals and two assists for six total points. Admirand finished the day with six goals and three assists for nine total points. He also led all players with a game-high three caused turnovers. 
 
The UMass Boston defense was on display in the third quarter, holding the Bison to just one goal. Trevor Koppy withstood a barrage, saving six shots and allowing just one score. 
 
With most of the Beacons' starters out of the game, Nichols doubled their scoring in the fourth, netting six goals in the frame. The late push was not enough to overcome the 17-6 lead the visitors had built up in the first three quarters. The Beacons won the game by a final score 18-12.
 
BY THE NUMBERS

• The Beacons matched their scoring total from their first game with over four minutes to play in the first half of Wednesday's matchup
• Gavin Admirand's nine points were the most in a game by a UMass Boston player since he had 11 against Eastern Connecticut on April 23, 2022
• The Beacons' 21-8 advantage on face-off wins was their widest margin since their matchup against Castleton on April 26, 2022
• The Beacons have now won two straight matchups with Nichols, improving their record in the all-time series to 12-6

 
WHO'S NEXT
 
The Beacons will travel to Henniker, New Hampshire for a 1:00 PM tilt with New England College this Saturday, February 25. UMass Boston hosted the Pilgrims in the final regular season game of the 2022 season, winning by a final score of 19-7.