Union, N.J. (4/2/22) – Connor Batjer netted four goals as the Kean University men's lacrosse team defeated visiting Utica University by the final of 19-6 on Saturday afternoon.

The Cougars (5-3) celebrated "Connor's Game" in recognition of Connor Sgaramella to bring attention and financial support to Autism Awareness Month.  Donations and t-shirt sales from today's game will go to the Search Day Program.  The program was the first non-profit, state-approved 12-month school in the state of New Jersey, specializing in creative programming for individuals with autism. Today, with over 50 years of experience, SEARCH Day Program is one of the leading schools and adult providers in the State that serves individuals with autism spectrum disorder. 

In today's action, the Pioneers (4-4) were the first to jump on the board as John Avery scored just over three minutes into the action.  That would be the only lead Utica would have in the game as Nick Fischetti tied things up six minutes later and Hunter Jenkinson gave Kean the lead for good to round out the first quarter scoring.

The Cougars extended the advantage to three and led 7-4 at the break.

Kean dominated the second half, scoring 12 goals while allowing just two to breeze to the non-conference win.  Offensively Kyle Ryder added four goals and one assist while Tommy Pellegrino added two markers and a helper.  Defensively Steven Thorne caused four turnovers and scooped up four groundballs while faceoff specialist Nick Moffa recorded 11 groundballs and won 14 faceoffs.  Thomas Francy made nine stops in goal.

For Utica, Sam Serrano had two goals and two assists in the loss.

Kean returns to action on Wednesday when they travel to St. Joseph's College-Long Island.