ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University Men's Lacrosse team used a strong first half to upend Marywood University in the Atlantic East Conference opener on Saturday afternoon by a final score of 9-8.
 
The Pacers got on the scoreboard first with 10 minutes left in the first. Connor Hurley broke through three minutes later and then Brendan Boschi scored twice in 42 seconds to give Neumann a 3-1 lead after one.
 
After Marywood pulled within one, 58 seconds into the seconds, Boschi again scored two straight, this time in 43 seconds. After a Pacers marker, Jordan Frenzen picked up a man-up goal and Renzo Garone picked up two goals, including one with 17 seconds left making it an 8-3 game at the break.
 
The Pacers controlled the third quarter by picking all the only three goals to pull within two. Early in the fourth, Marywood made it a one-goal but with 5:56 left, Hurley picked up what turned out to be an important insurance goal. The Pacers pulled back within one with 4:23 and late in regulation, they had a two man advantage but Owen Avelar made three huge saves to secure the win.
 
Boschi finished with four goals and an assist to lead the Knights' attack. Garone added two goals and an assist while Hurley picked up two goals. Jake Methlie led the ground game with five ground balls and Nic Ruberto had three while causing two turnovers. Avelar finished with 11 saves for the win between the pipes.
 
Neumann (7-4, 1-0 Atlantic East) will be back in action on Monday evening when they host Centenary University in another Atlantic East Conference match-up. The game is scheduled for a 6:00 PM start.