SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Freshman William Snelders scored eight goals and added two assists for 10 points in his collegiate debut to lead the LIU Post men's lacrosse team past American International College 14-6 in the season opener at Ronald J. Abdow Field Feb. 17.
 
The Pioneers dominated in the shot category, recording 60 shot attempts on the day to 26 by the Yellow Jackets. The Green and Gold held a 29-21 advantage in ground balls and junior Connor Farrell won 18 of 22 faceoffs. On the defensive end, the Pioneers recorded 17 successful clears on 21 attempts.
 
After a scoreless first quarter, the Pioneers took the lead on Snelders' first career goal 26 seconds into the stanza. The Pioneers won the ensuing faceoff and senior Dylan Harned found the back of the net 26 seconds later once again to make it 2-0. The Yellow Jackets tied the score at 3-3 with 1:11 remaining in the half, but Snelders scored with eight ticks remaining in the second quarter to give LIU Post a 4-3 lead at the half.
 
Two goals during the first two minutes of the second half sparked a 6-0 goal burst by the Pioneers to take a 9-3 advantage with 3:56 remaining in the third period. A late goal made it 9-4 through three quarters, but the Pioneers scored two goals 12 seconds apart to take an 11-4 lead early in the fourth quarter and coasted to the 14-6 final.
 
"The boys put in the effort on both sides of the ball today, at the X and in net," said head coach Eric Wolf. "We got the stops we needed and generated high quality looks on offense. We shot 14-of-60, and the bottom line is we ran into a goalie who was making some incredible saves."
 
Junior goalkeeper Bryan Ochs made 10 saves on the afternoon for LIU Post, while Jacob Ortiz stopped 28 shots for AIC.
 
"Sometimes you have to tip your cap and today was one of those days," said Wolf. "We look forward to getting back to work this week."
 
The Pioneers return to action on Saturday, Feb. 24 for the team's home opener against Adelphi University at Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium at 2:00 p.m.