By Jordan J. Michael

GUILDERLAND –– The Dutchmen lacrosse team stomped all over Saratoga Springs, 17-2, on a blistering cold Tuesday afternoon.

It was the team’s first Suburban Council game after beating Mercer Island, a four-time state champion from Washington, 12-7, on Friday at the University of Albany.

“We moved the ball really well, ran hard, and didn’t give up many shots,” said Head Coach Sean McConaghy after facing Saratoga. “We played great defense through the entire game.”

The Dutch opened up a 7-to-0 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. The score increased to 13 to 2 at halftime. Justin Bates won eight of his 10 face-offs, allowing Guilderland to control possession.

“We carried the momentum we had from the Mercer game into today,” McConaghy said. “My players are showing serious response.”

Paul Jones had four assists on the afternoon and E.J. Genzano and Rory Nunamacher each had three goals. Dan Lee, Bryan Dyer, and Eric Plant added two goals each for the Dutchmen.

Christian DePersis didn’t see many shots from Saratoga, but made 13 saves against Mercer on Friday. “He’s our starter in net and he deserved it,” said McConaghy. “He had some really big saves in that game.”

McConaghy played lacrosse with Mercer’s head coach at the University of Albany, which is what led to the match-up. “That was their ninth game of the year and our first,” he said. “We came out on fire and surprised them.”

Winning is nice, but McConaghy is still focused on being able to make a sectional run. “I’m happy with how we’ve started things,” he said. “But it’s the ones at the end that count most.”