HANOVER, N.H. -- On a gorgeous sunny afternoon, the Big Green men's lacrosse team opened the 2008 season with a 10-6 win over the visiting Hawks of the University of Hartford in front of 223 hearty fans. Sophomore Ari Sussman (New Haven, Conn.) had a hat trick plus one to lead the Big Green. Sussman scored two goals forty-five seconds apart to open up a 2-0 lead before Brian Tilley put Harford on the board with six seconds remaining in the first period. With the Green up 3-2, senior captain Chad Gaudet (Burlington, Mass.) picked up the face-off, racing down the field and scoring from just outside the circle before Hartford could react, putting Dartmouth up 4-2.

The season opener for both teams was dominated by the Big Green. The Dartmouth outshot Hartford 23-11 in the first half, forcing the Hawk's goalie, Jon McMahon to make eight saves. The Big Green went to the sidelines at halftime leading 6-2.

The second half was more of the same. Junior Brian Koch (Rye, N.Y.) contributed a hat trick plus two assists. Classmate Jimmy Mullen (Mt. Lebanon, Pa.) scored the Big Green's final goal of the game at 3:34 in the third on a man-up opportunity. Junior Jon Livadas added a goal and assist to round out the scoring for Dartmouth. Hartford closed out the overall scoring with four straight goals to make the final, 10-6. Sophomore Mike Novosel had seven saves in just over 48 minutes of action. Junior Pat Marshall earned three stops in the final 11 minutes.

The win brings Dartmouth's record to 1-0 on the season. The Big Green will next host Holy Cross on Memorial Field, Tuesday, February 26.

2008-02-23