POTSDAM, N.Y. – The SUNY Potsdam men's lacrosse team took an early lead on Tuesday afternoon, but was unable to sustain it in an 8-7 setback against cross-town rival Clarkson in a non-conference affair at Maxcy Hall's Turf Field.

Despite a furious rally with under a minute remaining and three goals from junior Zeppy O'Geen (Massena, N.Y.), the Bears (4-6 overall) went through a long offensive drought after a fast start while surrendering fiver unanswered Clarkson goals over the second and third quarters.

The Golden Knights (5-4) outshot the Bears 42-22, but a stellar performance by senior goalie Pat Corbine (Canton, N.Y.), who finished with 12 saves, kept Potsdam in the game.

“Our offense is still struggling to score a little bit, but we were right in the game and it could have gone either way,” Potsdam coach Rick Berkman said. “Clarkson made some good plays late in the fourth quarter, which were the difference. I thought Pat Corbine did a nice job in goal for us.”

The Bears took a 3-0 lead to start the game after a trio of unassisted goals, including two from O'Geen. However, the Golden Knights scored four unanswered tallies over the final 6:30 of the second quarter to take a 4-3 advantage into half time.

After a Clarkson goal just over five minutes into the third quarter, senior Kevin Green (Penfield, N.Y.) took a pass from junior Peter Pike (Watertown, N.Y.) for a man-up goal. O'Geen found the back of the net again for the equalizer just over two minutes into the fourth quarter before the Golden Knights went ahead for good at the 9:10 mark.

Potsdam rallied late, scoring twice in the final 30 seconds on a pair of goals from Pike, but it was too late as the Bears were unable to get possession after the last faceoff before the final horn sounded.

Green tallied one goal and one assist, while sophomore Robbie Ashlaw (North Syracuse, N.Y.) added an assist.

Potsdam returns to State University of New York Athletic Conference play for the remainder of the season starting this Saturday at Oneonta at 11 a.m.