Potsdam, NY – Despite shutting out its opponents for the entire second half, the Clarkson University Men's Lacrosse team was unable to rally from its first half deficit and dropped a 6-5 decision against SUNY Geneseo Saturday afternoon at Hantz Turf Field.

The Golden Knights saw their record fall to 3-3 overall, but will look to edge back above .500 on Tuesday when they face crosstown rival SUNY Potsdam. Geneseo improved to 3-3 on the season.

Geneseo tallied twice early in the first quarter and though the margin was trimmed to one on a Marcus Lavarnway goal at 7:07, the Knights held a 3-1 lead at the end of the first. Two goals just 21 seconds apart in the final two minutes allowed Geneseo to build a 6-2 advantage at the break.

Clarkson came out with energy in the second half, but the Golden Knights were scoreless in the third quarter. It was not until Tanner Cioffi scored at 10:57 that Clarkson able to get on the scoreboard in the second half. Conor Bartlett scored a key goal at 6:52 to pull the Knights back within two, Clarkson was unable to convert with a man-up opportunity. Another Cioffi shot at 4:55 looked like it might have been saved by Geneseo goalkeeper Tyler Wetzel, but the ball ticked off Wetzel's arm and into the net to put the Golden Knights within striking distance, down just 6-5. Clarkson's Ryan Gabriel won the ensuing face off and immediately rushed down the field in an attempt to tie the game, but his low shot was clipped by Wetzel. The play was key for Geneseo as it was able to maintain possession for the next 90 seconds from the clock. Though Clarkson would return to offense, Sam Groves' shot from outside was denied by Wetzel at the 1:32 mark and the Golden Knights would not have another chance at the Geneseo cage for the rest of the game.

Geneseo held a 36-31 advantage in shots, though Clarkson was up 13-2 in that category in the fourth quarter, including nine on the cage.

Tanner Cioffi scored twice for the Knights, while Conor Bartlett, Marcus Lavarnway and Shane Kilday each added a goal. Ryan Gabriel went 13-2 in 15 faceoff attempts, with Mathew Milne regularly assuring Gabriel of his wins with seven groundballs. Derek Beatty also picked up four groundballs and caused three turnovers. Colin Holt made 11 saves in the Clarkson crease.

For Geneseo, Andrew Cummings scored four goals while James Pratt and Connor Griffin each added a goal. Jimmy McGrath scooped up four groundballs and Jack Crowley led the team on defense with three caused turnovers. Wetzel made 14 saves for Geneseo.