HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Houghton men's lacrosse turned in one of its best conference performances since joining the Empire 8 four seasons ago, dropping an 8-6 decision to Elmira on Wednesday at Burke Field.

The teams exchanged goals over the first quarter and a half, with Austin Andryshak (Horseheads, NY, Horseheads) and Joshua Bailey (Millerton, PA, Williamson) each netting scores. The Soaring Eagles responded with back to back tallies to take a 4-2 lead, but Kyle Pollen (Horseheads, NY, Horseheads) scored his first of the year to pull the hosts to within one at the break.

First half shots were even at 16 apiece.

Elmira found a little more life offensively in the third, outscoring the Highlanders 5-2 to take an 8-5 lead into the final quarter. Andryshak and Cole Chapman (Kemptville, ON, Canada, North Grenville District) each scored for Houghton. With their three goal cushion, the visitors ran the clock and played conservatively on offense, while limiting the Highlander attack with tough defense throughout the final frame.

Houghton was able to press on the attack as the quarter ticked away, and Andryshak scored his third of the night with 1:35 left to pull Houghton to 8-6. Bailey had two close shots turned away by the Elmira keeper in the final minute.

The Highlanders outshot Elmira 9-5 in the fourth quarter, and the shots were even for the game at 31 apiece. Elmira finished with a 35-29 edge in ground balls.

Nathan Moore (Kane, PA, Kane) won 9-of-16 faceoffs and tallied five ground balls. 

Andryshak and Paul Chapman (Kemptville, ON, Canada, North Grenville District) each had 11 shots.

Christopher Bucciarelli (Horseheads, NY, Horseheads) made 12 saves in net.

Houghton (2-5; 0-1 E8) returns to action on Saturday, April 2 at 1 p.m. when the host Utica in another E8 contest.