With a strong defensive effort and a patient offense in the first half, the Clarkson University Lacrosse team stayed closed with Union College through the opening 30 minutes, but the 10-ranked Dutchmen were able to pull away in the second half to gain an 11-5 victory in Liberty League play at Hantz Turf Field on Saturday afternoon.

Clarkson, which dropped its third conference game, stands at 5-4 overall and 0-3 in the Liberty League. The Knights host St. Lawrence on Wednesday, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Union won its ninth straight to improve to 9-1 overall and 2-0 in the league.

Clarkson battled the Dutchmen tough for the first 30 minutes and trailed by just 3-2 at the half. Union, which has not loss since a season-opening, one-goal defeat at Cortland on March 1, was able to pull away in the second half, outscoring the Knights 8-3 over the final 30 minutes.

Senior Mark Nortz (Lowville, NY) led the Clarkson offense with three goals. Freshmen Ryan St. Croix (Camillus, NY) and Ryan DaRin (Manlius, NY) also scored for the Green and Gold.

The Knights pulled to within three with Nortz' second goal of the game late in the third quarter to cut Union's lead to 7-4 after 45 minutes. The Dutchmen, however, rattled off four straight to start the fourth quarter before Nortz tallied again with 2:49 remaining.

Adam Rosenthal led Union with four goals. Rob Santangelo was the only other Dutchman with multiple goals, scoring twice.

Union only outshot Clarkson 29-24, but held a decisive advantage in ground balls, 37-25.

Junior Harrison Washuta (Maple Grove, MN) made 10 saves in the Clarkson goal. Junior Dylan Broomfield (Clinton, NY), won nine faceoffs and picked up four ground balls. Senior Rick Clement (Cotuit, MA) also recorded four ground balls and caused four Union turnovers.