CLEARWATER, Fla. — After starting the season with three straight wins, the Wittenberg Tigers were unable to complete the comeback against Susquehanna, dropping a 12-5 decision in their 2012 Spring Break finale.

Wittenberg dropped to 3-1 on the young season, while Susquehanna improved to 3-2.

The Tigers fell behind 4-0 by the end of the first quarter and trailed 7-1 at halftime before staging a rally with four third-quarter goals. Trailing 7-5 going into the final 15 minutes, however, Wittenberg was unable to sustain the momentum as Susquehanna pulled away with five unanswered goals to account for the final margin of victory.

There were several bright spots on offense, as all five goals came from underclassmen. Freshman Andrew Morrison (Hilliard, Ohio/Davidson) and sophomore Jack Bornhofen (Peachtree City, Ga./McIntosh) each scored twice and freshman Lewis Thompson (Sandy Hook, Conn./Newtown) added a goal on his only shot of the game. Freshman John Haeling (Briarcliff, NY/Briarcliff Manor)dished out two assists, while senior Jim Ferris (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids) and junior Alex Previte (Dublin, Ohio/Coffman) each contributed one helper.

Junior Tyler Hall (Evanston, Ill./Evanston Twp.) led the team with four ground balls, while senior Elliot Avis (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids) added 11 face-off wins in 21 tries. Senior goalkeeper Spencer Baker (Worthington, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) was credited with 13 saves.