ASTON, PA – Wilkes University's John Wink (Glenside, PA/Abington) and Nico Lorenzo (Howell, NJ/Howell) combined for 12 points as the Colonels erased a two-point halftime deficit on way to an 18-12 victory over host Neumann University Saturday afternoon.
 
Wilkes improved to 4-2 overall following the road win while Neumann dropped to 1-4 overall on the season after suffering the non-conference defeat. The win marked the fourth straight victory for the Colonels after starting the year 0-2.
 
Connor Daly (Oakhurst, NJ/Ocean Twp.) and Matthew Bush (Lake Hopatcong, NJ/Jefferson Twp.) put Wilkes up early scoring back-to-back goals in the first four minutes of the first quarter. Neumann responded with six unanswered goals from the 4:13 mark of the first quarter through the 10:15 mark of the second frame to take a 6-2 lead.
 
The Colonels battled back to tie the game at 6-6 using a four-goal strike to even things up. Wink scored first followed by goals from Nicholas Ruggiero (Califon, NJ/Voorhees), Bush and John Luna (Valley Center, CA/Valley Center) to cap the scoring run. Neumann answered back with two goals to finish the half taking an 8-6 advantage at the break.
 
The third quarter proved to be the difference maker for Wilkes as the Colonels outscored the Knights 7-2 over the 15 minute stanza. Wink found the back of the net twice to tie the game at 8 before goals from Lorenzo and Luna gave Wilkes a 10-8 advantage with 8:34 left in the frame. Wink added his fourth and fifth tallies of the game to end the third as the Colonels led 13-10 after three.
 
Lorenzo provided most of the offense in the final quarter to keep Wilkes ahead for good. The rookie scored three times along with goals from Daly and Ruggiero as Wilkes never trailed the rest of the way earning the non-league victory.
 
Wink finished his career day with five goals and one assist for six points. Lorenzo also totaled six points on four goals and two helpers. Ruggiero followed with three goals and two assists while Kachel chipped in with three assists as the Colonels tied a season-high with 18 goals. Luna, Daly and Bush posted two goals each in the win.
 
Carter Whittemore (Rochester, NY/West Irondequoit) recorded the victory in net for Wilkes finishing with 11 saves. The Colonels transition game was at its best all season converting 19-of-21 clear attempts.
 
Wilkes returns home Wednesday hosting Moravian College at 4:00 p.m. at Schmidt Stadium.