Hoosiers win first 2 home games

The Hoosiers opened the home part of their lacrosse schedule Saturday against Buffalo.\nIt was a big night for the team because it was playing its first game in Mellencamp Pavilion. After Buffalo gained a big lead, the Hoosiers came back in the second half to win 11-9 before several hundred fans.\nThe first quarter was lacked finesse from both teams. Buffalo continued to dominate the second quarter, and was ahead 6-3 at halftime. Buffalo struck quickly after the half, taking a commanding lead 9-3 until the Hoosiers got back into the game. Encouraged by the home crowd and capitalizing on numerous Buffalo penalties, IU scored eight goals in a row to secure the victory.\n"I think, at first, our team was a little concerned at how big Indiana was, but once we started playing and winning, they were pretty confident that they could win," Buffalo head coach Dan Keating said. "In the second half, though, I don't know what happened. Our attack played well, but I think we tried to force it a little too much."\n The Hoosiers were led by freshman attackman Jon Hatton, who scored three goals. Senior attackman Steve Harris and junior midfielder Eric Leimsieder each had two goals. Senior Mike Dodge overcame a shaky start to play an outstanding game.\n The Hoosiers were outside for their second game of the weekend on a cold and windy day against Miami of Ohio, and won 13-8 in that non-conference game.\nThe field was muddy and wet from rains the night before, leading to hindered play as athletes were slipping on the field and having trouble with ground balls. But the Hoosiers steadily chipped away at the Redhawks' defense to win. The Hoosiers stormed out to a 4-0 lead after the first quarter and held the lead for the rest of the game. The Redhawks never got within two goals the rest of the way. \nThe lead enabled head coach Vic Bowers to empty the bench, giving every player time on the field, including freshmen who had not played yet for the Hoosiers this season.\nDodge and sophomore Willie Knight both played well in nets for the Hoosiers, each playing a half. Leimsieder was the offensive star for the Hoosiers, scoring four goals and also dishing out an assist. Harris scored three times and sophomore midfielder Pete Bergren twice against the Redhawks.