Box Score SCRANTON, Pa. – Thanks largely to the efforts of Brendan Damm, Tom Duggan and James Read, the Plattsburgh State lacrosse team was able to close out its 2014 spring break trip on a high note as the squad secured an 11-7 triumph at the University of Scranton on Saturday afternoon.

Plattsburgh State rises to 6-2 while the University of Scranton slips to 5-3 in 2014.

A strong second half defensive effort made up a large ingredient of the Cardinals' recipe for success as Plattsburgh State limited the Pennsylvania institution to just one goal through the final 30 minutes.

The first half of the non-conference clash on Fitzpatrick Field, however, belonged to the home-standing Royals.

Even-strength scores from Gus Sturm, Michael Bernier and Will Mahle put the home squad on top 3-1 after the first 15 minutes of action.

Damm pumped in an unassisted marker with 6:38 remaining in the frame to prevent the Royals from holding an offensive monopoly.

A trio of Cardinals helped Plattsburgh State hit the comeback trail in the second period, beginning with Damm's man-up rip with 7:18 to go in the first half. Read slung in his first tally of the tilt before a score from Joe Eiseman a mere 15 seconds later gave Plattsburgh State its first lead of the tilt, 4-3.

Sturm wasn't finished for the Royals, though, as he tallied two of Scranton's three consecutive goals to push the home team's edge to 6-4. Duggan cut the Plattsburgh State deficit to just one when his shot with 30 seconds remaining in the initial half found its way past Scranton netminder Nicholas McKaba.

Man-up scores by Damm and Read in the third period ensured the Cardinals would never trail again. Matt Tibbets knotted matters at seven each in the opening minute of the final period, but the Cardinals amassed four scores during the final 7:15 of regulation to earn the win.

Robbie Ashlaw began the Cardinals' fourth-period scoring blitz with what would hold up to be the game-winner before Duggan added a pair between Damm's fourth of the tilt.

Damm wrapped up another impressive performance with four goals and an assist while Duggan added a trio of goals as well as a helper. Read scored twice and Matt Renko doled out a game-high two assists.

Sturm's three goals led the way for Scranton. Each squad took 34 shots and also put up equal numbers in shots on goal (18). Scranton held advantage in both ground balls (46-40) and faceoffs won (14-7).

Andrew Hauk made 11 saves in net for Plattsburgh, improving to 6-2 on the season. McKaba stopped seven shots for the Royals.

Plattsburgh State makes its return to the North Country to take on Clarkson University on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Potsdam, N.Y.