Three score three as Stony Brook tops Vermont

With a resounding 13-5 win over Vermont Saturday in its first America East Conference game, the Stony Brook University men's lacrosse team essentially erased the doom and gloom of seven non-conference losses in the season's first eight games.

"We did kind of say it's a new season, coming into conference,'' Robbie Campbell said. Campbell, Mike Rooney and Matt Bellando scored three goals each against visiting Vermont (1-8, 0-1), and Campbell and Rooney had an assist each.

"We're playing for what matters now,'' Campbell said. "We took a small step today, but we got to keep at it, keep practicing and hopefully make another step in the right direction'' Saturday at Binghamton.

Four of Stony Brook's losses were by one goal, the last against Bryant in double overtime, and one loss was by two goals. "It's definitely hard when you are in a bunch of close games. Those close games are what you play for,'' Campbell said. "It's a little bit of heartbreak each time, so that kind of adds up. I'm optimistic for this season . . . We have a lot of talent; we've just got to make it click.''

Rooney added, "Since we did a little poorly , we need to crack down and win these games. The conference games are supposed to be tough, and we came in with the mind-set that it's going to be a tough game and were able to pull away.''

Stony Brook (2-7, 1-0) took a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Bellando and Nick Watson, who had two in the game. Rooney and Campbell each scored twice in the second period before Bellando scored again for a 7-3 lead at halftime. "Today was a lot different; we were playing a lot fundamentally better as a team,'' Bellando said. "We showed what we can do.''

There were other positives. Goalkeeper Ryan Keneally made his third start and had nine saves. "I thought he played great,'' coach Jim Nagle said. "We felt like heading in, we could get some transition opportunities on them. Ryan is really good on the clear and getting that ball out. We saw that today; he was real effective. I feel like we've got two good goalies . That's a strength that I don't know the rest of the league has.''

Nagel also liked the faceoff work of Ohio State transfer Jeff Tundo, who went 3-for-4 on draws. Stony Brook controlled the faceoff battle for the first time this season, winning 10 of 19. JJ Laforet also did a nice job, going 4-for-5, but Nagle could be leaning toward Tundo against Binghamton, saying, "If he goes 3-for-4, sure.''