After suffering a dramatic one-goal loss against Mamaroneck, the Greenwich High School boys lacrosse team got back on the winning track when FCIAC foe Fairfield Ludlowe visited Cardinal Stadium on Tuesday.

And sophomore Colin Zeller certainly played a pivotal role in the Cardinals’ success.

Zeller, an attack, scored a game-high five goals to power Greenwich to a much-needed 12-5 win over Fairfield Ludlowe – a victory that put the brakes on a three-game losing streak.

The Cardinals’ previous game at their home Stadium occurred this past Saturday night, as Mamaroneck (N.Y.) High School pulled out a 10-9 comeback win in the game’s final seconds.

“It was a nice win after dropping three straight,” Greenwich coach Bobby Lutz said. “We played a complete game with good ball control on offense while showing discipline on defense. We also did well on our ride to give us extra possessions and additional opportunities to score.  Colin Zeller had another great game with five goals, even though he was shut off most of the game. “

Sophomore attack Mikey Brescia registered three goals and two assists for the Cardinals, who evened their overall record to 4-4 and improved to 2-2 in the FCIAC.

“The offense, especially after a big game against Mamaroneck, came to practice and we knew what was working and what wasn’t,” Zeller said. “So, the offense is putting in a lot of work, building chemistry. Today, we were able to move off ball, get all the open looks and bury our shots.”

Senior attackman/captain Brian Collins and junior midfielder Jake Duda each had one goal and one assist for Greenwich, which received one goal from freshman attack Dean Kim and one tally from senior Wyatt Stratton.

The Cards jumped out to a 3-0 lead after Brescia converted a shot from close range with 1:09 remaining in the first quarter. The Falcons () closed to within 3-1 25 seconds into the second quarter, but the Cardinals went ahead, 4-1, when Duda went top shelf with his shot from 10 yards out at the 8:45 mark of the second quarter.

Throughout the FCIAC matchup, GHS exhibited an up-tempo pace and a lot of enthusiasm.

“I think the spirit was up,” Zeller noted. “After Mamaroneck, it brought the team a lot closer. We knew what we were playing for – we were playing for each other today and it showed on the field in spirit.”

“The team was able to put it behind us, but we were able to take what we learned from that game and apply it today,” Zeller continued.

Freshman Jack Hamel and sophomore Ilan Amaro shared the goalkeeping duties for GHS, with Hamel making five saves and Amaro stopping four shots.

The Cardinals made the Falcons work hard for their shots and five goals.

“Coming in, we knew they were a strong team,” said Greenwich junior defender Adam Kim, who helped pace the Cards’ stellar defensive effort. “Watching film, they play fast. It’s really important to win games like that. Our motto today was to come out as fast as possible.”

Greenwich did just that, as it limited its turnovers, displayed solid ball movement and played tight defense.

“It was all the little things,” Adam Kim noted. “During our games against New Canaan and Mamaroneck, we turned the ball over. Once we got those little things right in getting up and down on the clears, it helped us get more possession and it got their defense really tired.”

Greenwich is in action again today against Notre Dame-West Haven at Veteran’s Stadium at 6 p.m. They will then travel to Staples on Saturday for a 1 p.m. matchup.

GREENWICH HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

The Cardinals’ softball team was defeated at home by a strong Fairfield Warde team on Monday, 13-3.

Cameron Clark went 2 for 3 at the plate for Greenwich. Senior Ciarra Castro was 2 for 2 and had one RBI for the Cardinals, who received one hit and one RBI from junior Megan Geiger.

Sophia Blois got the start on the mound for Greenwich, which finished the game with seven hits. Warde led 4-1 after the first inning and after Greenwich closed to within 4-2, the Mustangs added runs in the latter innings.