Cassell, Silberlicht key Hobart's win over Binghamton

Hobart Sports Information

The Hobart lacrosse team doubled up host Binghamton 8-4 at the Binghamton Sports Complex tonight. Junior midfielder Tyler Cassell recorded his first career hat trick and junior goalie Max Silberlicht turned in a stellar performance in the cage to lead the Statesmen.

Hobart (2-0) carried a shutout into the final minute of the third quarter, charging out to a 6-0 lead. Cassell opened the scoring just over two minutes into the contest on a blistering shot from the left side of the goal. Junior midfielder Mike Suits doubled the advantage six minutes later, while first-year attackman Chris Pedersen made it 3-0 Statesmen 3:17 before the end of the frame.

Special teams got Hobart both of its second quarter goals. Sophomore Tim Bigelow scored man-up off a feed from senior attackman Jeff Colburn with 6:45 left in the half. The Statesmen again scored man-up when Cassell netted his second 66 seconds before halftime off a feed from junior attackman Kevin Curtin.

The defense completely flummoxed the Bearcats' attack in the first half. Hobart limited Binghamton to just six shots on goal, all of which Silberlicht turned away.

Hobart added to its lead midway through the third quarter when Pedersen deposited his team-leading fifth goal of the year on a man-down, odd-man rush. Curtin was credited with his second assist on the goal.

Senior midfielder Duncan Streeten broke up the shutout with just five seconds remaining in the third quarter. He also opened the fourth quarter scoring, 1:18 into the final frame, but Cassell capped his hat trick followed by sophomore midfielder Nick Blumer's first goal of the year to quell any hope of a comeback.

Silberlicht made eight saves in the second half, including six in the final 15 minutes. He also collected a game-high four ground balls.

Binghamton junior attackman Andy Cook added two late goals just eight second apart to close the evening's scoring.

Bearcats senior goalie Larry Kline finished the contest with eight saves.

Hobart finished the night 2-of-3 on with the extra-man, while Binghamton (0-2) was just 1-of-6. The Statesmen also won the battle for ground balls 26-15.

Hobart is back in action on Feb. 28, when the Statesmen visit Providence for the first meeting between the two programs. Faceoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.