BEL AIR, Md. - The No. 7 Harford men's lacrosse team dropped its 2012 season opener to No. 8 Brookdale, 8-4. The Fighting Owls allowed four goals in the fourth quarter in defeat.

Sophomore midfielder Jacob Duarte tied a career-high with three goals, including a dandy just before the buzzer at the end of the first half. That goal made it 3-2 in favor of the Jersey Blues at the break.

Harford tied it at 3-3 with Duarte's second goal of the game, and it remained at that score for the bulk of the third quarter, before Brookdale edged back on top. The Jersey Blues dominated the final period of play with four tallies.

Sophomore attack Sonny Botterill put Harford on the board in the second period. Classmate Nate Gilpin made 11 saves in goal.

The Fighting Owls host Morris on March 3 at 2 p.m.