The Clarkson University Lacrosse team could not overcome a fast start by national powerhouse SUNY Cortland and fell to the number-one ranked Red Dragons 12-6 in Central NY on Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Knights, who dropped to 8-5 overall, will close out the regular season next Saturday when they host Liberty League foe Vassar College on Hantz Turf Field in a 1:00 p.m. contest. Clarkson, which enters the Vassar game with a 3-2 conference mark, will then open Liberty League postseason play on the road at either RIT or St. Lawrence on Friday, May 3.

The Knights trailed Cortland (13-0) 4-0 five minutes into the game and were behind 7-2 after the first quarter. The Red Dragons built their lead on their home field to 9-3 at the half. Clarkson played Cortland even over the final 30 minutes with both teams scoring three times in the second half.

The Red Dragons outshot the Green and Gold 41-29 and controlled ground balls 33-25.

Junior Peter Goss (Jamesville, NY) scored twice to lead the Knights offensively. Senior Brendon Shearin (Goffstown, NH), sophomores Matthew Gold (Pittsford, NY) and Dylan Broomfield (Lowville, NY), and freshman Ben Paprocki (Baldwinsville, NY) all tally one goal apiece. Sophomore Corey Herrington (Camillus, NY) posted a game-high three assists.

Zach Hopps and Joe Slavik led Cortland with three goals apiece.

Senior Ryan Cole (Orchard Park, NY) made 10 saves in the Clarkson net. Broomfield had another strong game on faceoffs, winning 12-of-22 draws and picking up a game-high seven ground balls.