LEXINGTON, Va. – Freshman Patrick Shanahan tallied his first career hat trick, but it would not be enough to overcome a quick start from VMI as the Keydets downed the St. Bonaventure men's lacrosse team, 17-9, Saturday afternoon.
Another Bona's freshman, Jake Kucinski had another standout day as the reigning Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week delivered four points (2G-2A). Kellen Pulera also posted his fourth consecutive multi-goal game with two on the day.
SBU had no answer for VMI's Charles Hunt who had a stat line of seven goals and an assist for eight points.
VMI started fast, opening the game on a 3-0 run by the 7:20 mark of the first quarter.
Bona got on the board with just over six minutes left in the period as Onenioteko:wa Maracle scored his first collegiate goal on the man-up following a pass from Patrick Carpenter.
The Keydets responded with two tallies before the end of the first, though, for a 5-1 advantage after 15 minutes.
VMI built its lead to 7-1 midway through the second, but the Bonnies started to claw back following back-to-back goals from Pulera and Kucinski.
VMI (3-2) embarked on another 4-0 run through the end of the second and start of the third for a commanding 11-3 advantage.
The Bonnies (0-4) mounted a rally late in the third, closing within a 13-9 tally with still 14:19 to play following back-to-back goals by Shanahan.
Unfortunately for Bona, though, that would be the last of the Brown and White offense as the Keydets finished the game on another 4-0 run.
Carpenter had a goal and an assist and Kaden Brennan contributed two assists for the Bonnies.
Jake Argue and Conor Murphy as well as Mark Belles were credited with assists.
Connor Robinson made his first Bona start in net, finishing with six saves. Cristofero Cucciuffo played the final 40 minutes and stopped 13 shots.
Luke Rosterucci had five points as well for VMI (1G-4A).
The Bonnies are off until Saturday, March 9 when they travel to play at Cleveland State.
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