Stony Brook, N.Y. - The Stony Brook men's lacrosse team received two goals apiece from sophomore Matt Bellando (Miami, Fla.) and senior Russ Bonanno (Seaford, N.Y.), but Yale's Greg Mahony scored 1:06 into overtime to lift the No. 20 Bulldogs to a 9-8 victory.
Despite the loss, Stony Brook controls its own destiny in America East Conference play. Having already clinched no worse than fourth in the four-team conference tournament, the Seawolves (3-0 America East) will host Hartford Saturday night at 7.
"I'm not as frustrated with the loss as much as I'm frustrated in our failed opportunities to capitalize," coach Jim Nagle said. "For the first three quarters, I thought our defense was great against a really strong offensive Yale unit. We simply played way too much defense down the stretch."
Junior Jeff Tundo (Orchard Park, N.Y.) tied a season-high with three assists for Stony Brook, which led by as many as four, 5-1, after Bellando's second goal of the game.
Yale answered with three straight goals, but Stony Brook still held the lead. Senior Robbie Campbell (Delta, British Columbia) scored with 8:26 left in the fourth quarter to give Stony Brook a 7-5 lead.
Mahony's second of the game capped a three-goal spurt as Yale led 8-7 with 2:42 remaining in the fourth. Redshirt freshman Mike Rooney (East Islip, N.Y.), the reigning America East Rookie of the Week, scored with 1:50 left to make it 8-8.
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After winning the face-off, Stony Brook attempted to clear, but was called for offsides. A subsequent penalty for too many men on the field gave Yale a 30-second, man-up opportunity. Mahoney scored with a lefty shot from 12 yards out.
Mahony led all players with three goals. Deron Dempster and Matt Gibson had two goals apiece.
Campbell finished with two assists for a three-point night. Stony Brook scored its 20th and 21st man-up goals.
"You go into every game wanting to win, but we realize what's at stake," Rooney said. "We're going to be ready to play for the games coming up."
The loss was Stony Brook's fifth one-goal loss of the season.
Prior to Saturday night's game against the Hawks, Stony Brook will honor its 10 seniors with a pre-game ceremony.
