Stony Brook defeats St. John’s to start season 2-0

Stony Brook teammates celebrate a goal by Stony Brook defender Tyler Anderson (25) against St. John's during the second half of an NCAA Division I men's lacrosse game at LaValle Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Contain Brody Eastwood and stop the Stony Brook men’s lacrosse team? Not even close.
Visiting St. John’s was able to contain Stony Brook’s prolific scorer on Sunday, holding him to one goal on three shots, but the Seawolves still won, 14-6, to start the season 2-0.
Eastwood had six goals in a season-opening victory over Sacred Heart and is 23 away from surpassing Jordan McBride’s career total of 175. That was enough reason for St. John’s to key its defense on him. The result was a quiet day for Eastwood, but it still was a loud one for the offense.
Junior midfielder Alex Corpolongo led the scoring with four goals and an assist. “We kind of feel that we’re confident with everyone offensively,’’ he said. “We know someone else is going to step up.’’
In this game, it was Corpolongo-plus. Challen Rogers had three goals and four assists. Chris Hughes scored twice and had an assist. Matt Schultz had two goals and McLean Chicquen and Tyler Anderson each scored once.
Holding a 5-4 lead, SBU scored seven straight times, starting with Schultz’s unassisted goal with 8:54 left in the third quarter. Corpolongo’s third goal made it 12-4 with 11:25 left.
Eastwood tallied the final goal with 7:41 remaining, and Rogers said his teammate was not frustrated by his lack of opportunities. “He obviously just wants us to win,’’ Rogers said. “If he scores and helps the team win, he’s happy. But if he doesn’t get his looks, he’s not going to be too upset. He’s never upset. He just wants us to do well. When teams lock off Brody, it opens up everyone else.’’
Corpolongo’s big day came in front of his family, who had to settle for a split decision. His younger brother Justin is St. John’s faceoff specialist. The sophomore was 10-for-21.
“I think my parents try to keep it even who they root for,’’ Alex said. “It’s a good, healthy rivalry. It’s not difficult even though we’re both pretty [annoyed] after the games if we don’t come out on top.’’
St. John’s dropped to 0-3.
Stony Brook hosts highly ranked Brown on Saturday. Brown is led by former St. Anthony’s High star Dylan Molloy, a Tewaaraton Award candidate.
“You can point out that he’s the guy,’’ Rogers said, “but I feel like everyone [here] can be the guy. If one gets locked off like Brody today, other people are going to step up. If it’s all about [Molloy], then it’s all about us.’’
Said coach Jim Nagle, “It feels good, obviously, to have two lopsided wins, but that’s not really what you work for. You work for that real competitive game, that challenge.’’