The Utica College men's lacrosse used a big second half to pull away from visiting Russell Sage College to earn a 16-9 win in Empire 8 Conference action Wednesday. With the win, the Pioneers improve to 4-0 (2-0 Empire 8) on the season. This marks just the second time in program history that Utica has won its first four games of a season. The last time the Pioneers started 4-0 was in 2004. The teams started off evenly on Wednesday, with neither team taking more than a two-goal lead. Despite falling down 4-2 in the first quarter, UC was able to battle back to take an 8-7 lead into halftime. The Pioneers' second half adjustments proved to work as they outscored the Gators 8-2 over the final 30 minutes, including a 4-0 run in the third quarter. Junior James Daniele (Pleasantville, NY/Pleasantville) led all players with six points on the day (three goals, three assists). Freshman Chase Kaufman (Atlanta, GA/Riverside Military Academy ) matched his highest goal scoring output of the season as he also netted three goals and also chipped in with an assist. Junior John Avery (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford-Mendon) finished with three goals of his own, while Nick Litzenberger (Freeville, NY/Cortland) and Gage Fiacco (Massena, NY/Massena) each had two goals. Senior Dale Wagner (Elbridge, NY/Jordan Elbridge) chipped in with a goal and two assists and Dylan Dunham (Elbridge, NY/Jordan Elbridge) and Jacob Hyer (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) also found the back of the net. Sophomore Jozef Korpics (Center Valley, PA/Moravian Academy) finished with 14 saves on the day, marking his fifth straight game with more than 10 saves, dating back to March 11, 2020. Kevin Parisi (Glenwood, NJ/Vernon Township) matched his season-high of eight ground balls, and he also caused two turnovers, while Jack Varian (Stanhope, NJ/Lenape Valley Regional) and Austin Callahan (Painted Post,, NY/Corning Painted Post) also had two caused turnovers apiece. The Pioneers return to action Saturday as they travel to Alfred University. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.