HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker College men's lacrosse team started out its season in style on Wednesday (Feb. 6) at home against Chowan, taking down the Hawks 25-8. The Cobras had a banner day, breaking or tying five records in the win. As a team, Coker shattered the record for most points in a game with 42 with the previous game-high being 35. They also bested the record for goal by three after netted 25 in the game and tied the assists record with 17. Individually, Joe Venazio broke the record for goals in a game with eight and tied the record for points in a game with 11. 

Venazio got the party started just over two minutes in with the first goal of the season off of an assist from Jonah Robertson and just one minute later all-conference midfielder Ethan Irizarry increased the Coker lead with an unassisted goal. Denton Wilks and Justin Hopkins both found the back of the net shortly after to put the Cobras up 4-1 midway through the first quarter. Following a Chowan goal, the Cobras went on a 5-0 run to end the half that included goals from Robertson, Venazio, and Wilks. Justin Hopkins picked up his second goal of the game early in the second quarter before Venazio and Matt Murphy added a pair of goals to their totals. Jason McNeany added of his own after taking the faceoff and finding the back of the net. 

Stephen Sperbeck and Ethan Ramsey both found the back of the net to start the third quarter before Robertson, Venazio, and Lucas Hediger gave the Cobras a 20-8 lead heading to the final quarter. Coker put the clamps on the Hawks in the fourth quarter and spectacular sophomore Venazio had a hand in four of the five goals, leading the Cobras to the 25-8 victory. Chris Hagy was strong between the pipes, picking up six saves in the game.

The Cobras will be back in action on Sunday (Feb. 10) at home against Florida Tech at 2:00 PM

McDonald's Player of the Game - Joe Venazio