Cornell tops Rutgers in lacrosse semifinal

Severe weather and numerous delays caused the game to not be concluded until over five hours after the 12 noon start time.

Despite the delays, John Piatelli scored five goals and had one assist to lead No. 7 Cornell over No. 6 Rutgers, 17-10, in the NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse semifinal Saturday evening at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in Hartford.

Michael Long chipped in with four goals and one assist and Hugh Kelleher added three goals in the final-four contest. Chayse Ierlan made 15 saves for Cornell.

Mitch Bartolo and Brian Cameron each scored two goals for Rutgers and Colin Kirst made 13 saves.

This is Cornell’s first appearance in the title game since 2009.

Rutgers got on the board first with a goal, but from there Cornell took over as they scored eight of the next 10 goals to take an 8-3 lead heading into the intermission.

At the break the weather became a concern with severe lighting and heavy rain, which caused the game to be delayed. Both teams waited in their locker room before they were allowed to come back out and were given 35 minutes to warm up.

 Coming out of the long break, Cornell kept it’s attack going as they opened up a 14-4 lead before each team would score three goals to close out the game. Cornell advances to the championship match to face the winner of No. 1 Maryland and No. 5 Princeton at 1 p.m. on Monday.