BULLDOGS BUILD EARLY LEAD, NEVER LOOK BACK

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – After needing to post one of the largest comebacks in team history Tuesday, the Yale men's lacrosse team took an early lead on Saturday and never looked back. A dominant performance on defense combined with efficient offense propelled the Bulldogs to their fifth straight win to open the 2016 season, as they beat Fairfield, 10-5.

The Elis took the lead early in the first quarter, and refused to let Fairfield back into the game. For the first time since the season opener, the Bulldogs found the net before their opponents. The offensive unit held the ball at the perimeter, making quick passes while waiting for the play to develop. Eric Scott found Michael Keasey on the right side, and Keasey stepped into a shot that was placed over the goalie's stick, scoring his sixth of the season.

Keasey then scored again minutes later, in an almost identical play. Michael Bonacci had the ball at the point and found Keasey, who was again given space in front of him, allowing him to step in and fire a shot that again went over the goalie's stick. It was not until after then that the Fairfield defense realized that they should not give Keasey any room to step into a shot.

The Bulldogs carried this 2-0 lead all the way to the end of the first quarter, as the defensive unit did not give up any clear looks. Goalie Phil Huffard's number was only called once in the first frame, and he made an easy save on the only clear opportunity that the Stags were able to create. Christopher Keating was tenacious on defense, causing two turnovers early (3 on the day) and not allowing the Stags to get second chances on groundballs.

The second quarter had a similar theme to the first, as the Bulldogs continued to convert on their offensive chances while not allowing the Stags to have any. After the teams traded defensive stops, Eric Scott scored his fourth goal of the week on a pass from Jeff Cimbalista. He was given space on the left side of the net, and finished high to give the Elis a 3-0 lead midway through the second quarter.

Ben Reeves notched his 12^th goal of the season less than a minute later, scoring in familiar fashion. Just as he did multiple times against St. John's on Tuesday, Reeves found himself isolated with one defender behind the net. He created separation, wrapped around to the face of the goal, and fired a shot to the top right corner, building the Eli's lead to four.

After making yet another defensive stop, the Bulldogs found themselves on the extra-man opportunity late in the second quarter. Reeves held the ball on the right side of the net, then slotted a pass through a narrow window to a streaking Michael Keasey, who scored his third goal of the game on a quick shot. Cimbalista scored on the Bulldogs' next possession on another pass from Reeves, and the team ended the second quarter with a commanding 6-0 lead.

One key to shutting out the Stags in the first half was the defensive performance when Fairfield had an extra-man opportunity. They had three chances, including a period where they were two men up, but could not break through the defense to create a clear chance. Throughout the half, no one was left open for a good look on net, and Huffard was able to cover the long-range shots, making seven saves in the half.

The Stags finally beat the Yale defense to get their first goal of the game early in the third quarter. But the Bulldogs had a response, as Reeves found freshman Jack Tigh, who scored his third goal of the year after being left open on the right side of the net. Fairfield added a goal late in the third quarter, but the Elis still held a commanding lead after three, up 7-2.

The Bulldogs added three goals in the fourth quarter to seal the victory, including two acrobatic finishes. Eric Scott made sure that the Stags were unable to mount a comeback when he scored on an incredible individual effort. Alone with a defender on the left side, Scott made a swim dodge, bringing his stick over the defender. He then drew another defender, but as he was falling to the ground, he finished past the goalie to build on the Elis' lead.

Michael Bonacci managed to score an equally impressive goal just minutes later. Alone with a defender behind the net, Bonacci wrapped around to the front, running along the crease line. As soon as he had any angle on goal, he dove forward and somehow managed to put the ball in the net, bringing the sizable Yale fan section it its feet.

Ben Reeves scored his second of the day, and fifth of the week, in the closing moments of the game. After the Stags were forced into man coverage, Reeves created separation, received a pass and finished easily after catching the goalie outside of the crease.

While Fairfield was able to score five times in the second half, the Yale defense performed well, especially given that the Stags won all 10 face-offs in the second half. Phil Huffard had yet another impressive game in the crease, making 14 saves while not being afraid to use his body. Late in the fourth quarter, as the Stags were looking to close the gap, Huffard made an incredible kick save, reaching out with his right foot to save a shot that was headed for the net.

Yale ends the week with two victories and a 5-0 start to the 2016 season. This is the second straight year that the Bulldogs have won their first five games, and they continue to show why they are one of the top teams in the nation.

The Elis begin conference play next weekend, when they travel to Ithaca to play Cornell. Opening face-off is scheduled for 1 p.m., and can be seen on the Ivy League Digital Network.