CORTLAND, N.Y. – Host Cortland used a strong defensive effort to stymie Nazareth's offense Tuesday in a 17-9 men's lacrosse victory over the Golden Flyers.

Averaging nearly 15 goals per game through the first nine games in 2022, Nazareth scored just twice in the first half as Cortland built a 6-2 advantage. Cortland scored six more times in the third quarter to pull away for the non-conference win as the Red Dragons improved to 5-6 overall. Nazareth dropped to 3-7.

Braeden McKercher scored three goals and Jon Roth had two goals and one assist for Nazareth. Brett Randall added one goal and three assists. Greg Bilek, Max Popolizio and Quinn McKercher also scored. Eric Almquist started in goal and had a season-high 17 saves.

For Cortland, Dante Yacavone amassed eight points on four goals and four assists. Pat Doyen added three goals and three assists.

Nazareth led 2-1 early after first-period goals by Braeden McKercher and Roth. Cortland responded with five straight goals – including three in the second quarter – to take a 6-2 lead into halftime.

A Nazareth turnover late in the first quarter led to a Cortland goal with :09 left to give the Red Dragons a 3-2 lead. Cortland scored twice within a 19-second stretch in the second quarter to go up 5-2. The Red Dragons tacked on another goal at 6:58 for a 6-2 lead.

Cortland broke the game open with six goals in the third quarter, including two on extra-man opportunities. In the fourth quarter, Nazareth got goals from Braeden McKercher and Randall to close within 13-6, but Cortland pulled away again with four straight goals.

Nazareth scored three times in the final 2:20, including extra-man tallies from Quinn McKercher and Roth for the 17-9 final.

Cortland had advantages in shots (57-45) and ground balls (38-35) and forced Nazareth to commit 20 turnovers. Face-offs were even at 15 each. Matt Keane won 15 face-offs and had nine ground balls.

The Golden Flyers resume their Empire 8 Conference schedule Friday at Hartwick at 4 p.m.