The Saint Anselm men’s lacrosse team defeated the College of Saint Rose on March 25, improving to 3-1 on the season, and 2-0 in NE10 play. They currently sit at 19th in US Lacrosse Magazine rankings, and 20th in the USILA Coaches’ Poll.

Senior James Olsen lead the offensive attack for the Hawks, scoring 4 goals and 3 assists on a snowy afternoon at Grappone Stadium. Senior Alex Pacitti and sophomore Anthony Busconi each scored 3 goals, with Dylan Ryan netting 2 and dishing out an assist. Junior goalkeeper Lucas Diangelo improved to 3-1 on the season, stopping 13 shots.

Pacitti opened the game with a goal, but Saint Rose would answer with back-to-back goals on man-up opportunities. Olsen would score his first goal of the game at 10:29 in the first, evening the game up at 2-2.

Junior Ryan Hesseltine scored in the first minute of the quarter to give the Hawks a 4-3 lead, but Saint Rose would answer with a pair of goals of their own. Goals from Olsen and senior Matt Johnson would tie the game up at 6, but a last minute goal from Saint Rose gave them a one goal lead heading into the break.

The Hawks offense was firing to start the third. Junior Thomas Powell scored his first career goal to ignite a 3 goal run for the Hawks.

After a 3 goal quarter from Busconi, Saint Anselm led the Golden Knights, 11-8. The Hawks would close the game out with goals from Ryan, Pacitti and Olsen. Saint Anselm dominated Saint Rose throughout the game, outshooting them 50-37, and forcing 27 turnovers.

This is the third straight win for the Hawks. After falling to Mercy on Mar. 4, they have defeated AIC, Post and Saint Rose in commanding victories. Their play has earned them a spot in the national rankings for the first time this season.

Out of the top 20 teams in the most recent USILA Coaches’ Poll, 5 are in the NE10 Conference, with Le Moyne and Merrimack in the top 3.

The Hawks’ schedule for April will certainly be a test. The team will travel to seventh ranked Pace on April 1, then host eighth ranked Adelphi on the 5th. They then will head up to Syracuse to face off with Le Moyne, who currently sit atop the national rankings.

The Hawks are on a hot streak, and they will be looking to continue that into this tough stretch of games. With their strong attack and relentless defense, Saint Anselm looks ready for the test.