HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Houghton men's lacrosse continues to make positive strides in its play as they battled Utica in Empire 8 action Saturday, falling 15-9 to the Pioneers on Burke Field.

The Pioneers scored three times in the first three minutes and after Cole Chapman got the Highlanders on the board, the visitors scored three more times to take a 6-1 lead. Utica led 7-2 after the first quarter.

Utica outscored Houghton 6-3 in the second quarter to take a 13-5 lead into the break.

Houghton wasn't ready to fold, however, and turned in a strong second half performance. The Highlanders outshot Utica 14-9 and outscored the visitors 4-2 after the break.

MATCH VITALS
Score:  Houghton - 9   |   Utica - 15
Records:  Houghton 0-6; 0-1 E8   |   Utica - 3-3; 1-0 E8
Location:   Burke Field | Houghton College  |   Houghton, NY

MATCH STATS
>  Final shots were 39-28 in Utica's favor. Utica also led 62-44 in groundballs
> Cole Chapman led the Highlanders with 5 goals and 2 assists, while adding six groundballs.
> Nathan Anderson chipped in with 2 goals and 3 assists
> Titus Snavely was tough defensively, turning in team highs with 7 groundballs and 5 caused turnovers
> Thomas Woodward and Christian Aliperti also scored for Houghton
> Bryce Bellan stopped 12 shots in net

UP NEXT FOR MEN'S LACROSSE
The Highlanders host Keuka on Thursday, March 29 at 7 p.m.