DAVENPORT, Fla. - Despite a hat trick from graduate student midfielder Liam Ford (New Fairfield, Conn.), the Western Connecticut State University men's lacrosse team was edged in a wild back-and-forth contest with Farmingdale State on Wednesday, 13-12. 

WestConn senior Julian Duque (Mastic, N.Y.) and classmate midfielder Matt Sweeney (Rocky Point, N.Y.) chipped in with two goals and one assist apiece. 

Andrew Giovinco led the Rams with a game-high five scoring strikes and one helper while Thomas Stock added a trio of goals.

The Wolves finished the contest ahead in shots, 41-33. They also notched 18-of-27 faceoff wins courtesy of a hard-nosed effort from graduate student middie Jonathan Russack-Baker (Groton, Conn.). He also scooped up a game-high six ground balls. 

Farmingdale opened the game with a 6-0 barrage before WestConn retaliated with the next seven to snag a 7-6 halftime advantage. Ford rounded out the Wolves' run with an unassisted tally just before the break.

The lead changed hands several times in the second half before the score was knotted at 11-11 with 7:40 left to play. Giovinco then tallied back-to-back goals for the Rams to put them ahead 13-11 with 5:41 remaining. The Wolves tried to rally and answered with a goal less than 20 seconds later when Duque found junior middie James Kosty (Cranford, N.J.) for a twine tickler. However, WestConn was unable to net the equalizer as the Rams escaped with the win.

With the loss, the Wolves dropped to 3-6 overall while Farmingdale improved to 6-2. After starting the slate with three victories, WestConn has now lost six straight. They will seek to snap the skid when they host Plymouth State University in the Little East Conference opener for both squads on Sunday at Noon.