The Denver Pioneers lacrosse team improved to 6-3 on the 2012 season following Saturday's 15-8 victory over the Hobart Statesmen. In the Pioneers' first game back at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium, Denver also improved to 2-1 in ECAC play.
Senior Mark Matthews led the Pioneers with four goals and five points, giving him his 25th career hat trick. Freshman Wes Berg continued an impressive rookie campaign with three goals and four points. Alex Demopoulos and Jeremy Noble each picked up three points. Chase Carraro was impressive once again during face-offs, winnings 22-of-23.
Hobart played Denver close for most of the first half, scoring three straight goals in the second period to tie the game at 6-6. But over the final three minutes of the half, Noble scored his two goals and assisted on a Matthews goal in between his own, entering halftime with a 9-6 lead.
Denver scored five unanswered goals in the third to take a 14-6 lead into the final quarter. Hobart managed to score two goals, but freshman goalkeeper Ryan LaPlante continued to fill in nicely for Jamie Faus. LaPlante allowed all eight goals and made five saves on 13 saves.
The Pioneers stay at home for a Friday contest against Bellarmine this coming week.
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