BUFFALO, N.Y. – Matthew Simon posted nine goals and Tyler Nicoloff notched nine assists as the duo led Hilbert to a 28-8 AMCC victory over Franciscan University in men's lacrosse today.

After today's game, Nicoloff now leads the NEAC in assists (24) and points (40).

Franciscan won the first faceoff of the game and stormed to the net taking a 1-0 lead less than ten-seconds into the game.  The Hawks responded with back-to-back scores and never trailed again.

The Barons forced a 3-3 tie with 12 minutes left in the first half before Hilbert took control of the game.

The Hawks went on a 6-0 run to close the first quarter with an 8-6 lead.  Hilbert owned the second period building a 19-4 lead by intermission.

The pace and scoring slowed in the second half but Hilbert still controlled the action on the field.  Franciscan found four more goals in the final two quarters but the Hawks notched nine more scores creating the final twenty-goal margin of victory.

Twelve different Hilbert players found the back of the net with four Hawks responding with a multi-goal game. 

Matthew Simon led with 11 points scoring nine goals and assisting twice.  Tyler Nicoloff posted 10 points behind his nine assists and one marker.  Edward Mathias reached for seven points (5g) and Austin Laine added a pair of goals with an assist.

The royal and white outshot Franciscan (58-34) and held a 49-37 advantage in ground balls.

Casey Hixon (8-13 FO) led with six ground balls and Justin DeLaRosa (7-16 FO) matched Tyler Balsavage's effort with five ground balls.

The Hawks caused 16 Baron turn-overs.  Balsavage (4) Stockman (3) and Lobdell (3) were tough on defense taking the ball away from the green and white.

Adam Zawadzki earned his fourth victory between the pipes making six saves in the first 17 minutes.

The Hawks continue the rest of the way in NEAC action.  They will travel to Utica Wednesday, April 5 for their 5pm game against SUNY Poly.