Northfield, VT- The Dean College men's lacrosse team took a crucial Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) matchup with the Norwich Cadets Saturday afternoon by a score of 13-8. Dean now advances to 10-2 (4-2) on the season, while Norwich drops to 4-8 (2-4).

Dean opened strong, with five first-quarter goals to quickly set the tone for the game. Diego Alvarez-Segee (Saugus, MA) struck first less than two minutes in, followed by scores from Joseph Marra North Branford, CT), Aiden Anthony (Stoneham, MA), and a second from Alvarez-Segee. Jason Richard (Holden, MA) capped the quarter with a man-up goal, giving Dean a commanding 5-0 lead after one.

In the second quarter, Norwich responded with three goals, but Dean kept their foot on the gas. Manny Alvarez-Segee (Saugus, MA) found the back of the net off an assist from his brother, and Alec Speirs (Old Lyme, CT) added a solo goal to keep Dean in front 7-3 at halftime. The Bulldogs' ball movement and ability to capitalize on transition play were key in fending off the Cadets' push.

The third quarter saw momentum shift briefly as Norwich netted four goals. Dean's defense tightened under pressure, and Speirs stepped up with a critical goal to maintain a slim edge. Richard added his second goal of the game to keep Dean ahead 9-7 heading into the fourth.

Dean sealed the game with a dominant fourth quarter, scoring four unanswered goals before Norwich managed one last point. Speirs completed his hat trick, and M. Alvarez-Segee added his second of the day. The Bulldogs' defense allowed them to control possession down the stretch and close out the 13-8 win.

The Bulldogs' offense was led by Speirs and D. Alvarez-Segee, each contributing three goals. Richard and M. Alvarez-Segee added two goals apiece, while Anthony, Marra, and Josh Hackett (Orange, CT) each netted one. Elijah Beland (Augusta, ME) earned his seventh win of the season in goal, making five saves. Hackett also finished 12-18 on faceoffs.

The Bulldogs return to Grant Field on Tuesday, April 15th, hosting Lasell University in another massive GNAC game. Start time for Tuesday's game is slated for 3:30PM.