UMass (3-14-1, 2-5-1 Atlantic 10) junior midfielder Will Ellis struck first, putting in a clinical finish on a curling free kick from 40 yards out by sophomore midfielder Carlo deMarco 15 minutes, 44 seconds into the game.

Initially, it was the Bonnies (1-15, 0-8 A10) who seemed to control the first half, constantly attacking down the right flank through right back Nicholas Perillo and creating plenty of chances.

But the Minutemen defense kept their shape beautifully and consistently stamped out any potential scoring opportunities for the Bonnies.

UMass rode the momentum of its first goal into the second half, outshooting St.Bonaventure 20-11 in total with 12 second half shots compared to just five for the Bonnies.

With the opening of the second half, St. Bonaventure continued to play optimistically, with a shot by Jaskamal Singh screaming by the crossbar at the 47 minute mark.

But that optimism was crushed following the Minutemen’s second goal, one which saw junior forward Lenoir Sery curl a ball past Bonnies defenders to find Schwartz’s foot, which he put home 54 minutes into the game.

Substituted in late in the first half, Sery’s explosive runs down the right side of field helped open up the Minuteman attack.

“I like to play out wide, but sometimes the team likes to slip the ball back into me because of my speed and my ability to turn guys, which allows me to hold the ball and help create chances,” Sery said.

The Bonnies’ offensive attack intensified following UMass’ second goal, yet it was the Minutemen defense that stood resolute. Keys, who manned the backfield throughout the game, capped off his Minuteman career with aggression and pace throughout.

But Sery countered on an explosive run which saw him streak his way past the Bonnies defenders, receiving a pass crafted by Josh Schwartz and putting away. The goal occurred at the 66 minute mark and put UMass up 3-0. It was his first career goal as a member of the Minutemen.

“We came out strong today for Schwartz and Matty (Keys),” Sery said. “These are two guys who have looked after me since I got here, and I really wanted to get this one for them”.

Schwartz tallied a goal and an assist in the game, while Keys finished with four shots in 81 minutes. Schwartz finished with a team-high five goals this season.

Christopher Martinez can be reached at [email protected]