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LEWISTON — Connor Hartman’s goal since playing his first men’s lacrosse game at Bates College in 2023 was to reach the NCAA Division III tournament.

With that goal accomplished, Hartman got the Bobcats off to a fast start, scoring twice in the first two minutes in a 17-9 win over SUNY Cortland in the second round on Friday.

“Coming to play college lacrosse, that’s the goal, and I think it feels especially good considering that we’ve come such a long way since my freshman year,” said Hartman. “So I think just seeing the fruits of our labor and all the hard work that my senior class, but everyone on the team, has put in, poured into this program over the last four years, even more years than that. But it’s just really special to see all the hard work pay off.”

Bates advances to face undefeated Hope (19-0) in the third round at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The Bobcats went 1-12 during Hartman’s freshman season. They improved to 3-11 in 2024 and 9-7 in 2025. They are 12-5 this season and earned their first NCAA tournament win since 2017.

“Really special opportunity and a privilege to play in the NCAA tournament, and especially a privilege to play at home,” Bates coach Dan Annino said. “We were really grateful for that opportunity and I knew these guys were going to take advantage of it. Really proud of their prep, their work all week, and you saw with I think how we started that game, these guys came ready to play.”

Hartman had the wind knocked out of him in the third quarter on the play that brought his goal tally to four. He also scored four goals in the Bobcats’ 15-7 loss to Tufts in the NESCAC semifinals. He didn’t re-enter after taking the hit.

“I was struggling to catch my breath there for a second, but I’m going to be all right, and yeah, ready to suit up tomorrow and do the same thing,” Hartman said. 

Bates scored six straight goals in the first nine minutes. 

SUNY Cortland’s three goals in the second quarter cut the margin to 9-5, but the Bobcats answered with four straight to take a 13-5 lead over the Red Dragons (15-6) at halftime.

Midfielders Xander Frey and Riley McClure each scored three goals for Bates. Jack Goldbach added two goals and four assists.

Andrew Toland (53:19) and Drew Nyhus (6:41), combined for seven saves. 

“This is a day we’ve had circled on our calendars for a long time,” junior long-stick midfielder Drew McClutchy said. “Coming in my freshman year, we talked to those guys on the 2017 team, just looking to rebuild the program. And we’re really excited to have the opportunity at home. A lot of those guys are tuned in, getting messages all week, they’re excited to see us succeed, and we’ll continue to do that.”