HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- If Empire 8 play wasn't competitive enough, Houghton men's lacrosse had the added challenge of welcoming #4 Ithaca College to Burke Field. And the Bombers proved that they are among the nation's top teams, gaining a 19-1 win over the Highlanders on Saturday.

Cold weather reduced the quarters to 12 minutes, but the Bombers still came out on fire, taking a 9-0 lead into the locker room. Paul Chapman scored the lone Highlander goal of the day -- his team-leading 18th of the season -- just two minutes into the second half. Ithaca finished the scoring with 10-straight tallies over the final 22 minutes.

The Bombers outshot the Highlanders 36-4 on the afternoon and held a 40-19 advantage in ground balls. The Bombers also won 22 of 24 faceoffs.

Houghton (0-5) has a week off before welcoming Ohio Northern to Burke Field on Saturday, March 18 at 12 p.m.