When UMBC gave up the last three goals of the first half and left the field tied with Cornell, 6-6, it was apparent the Retrievers needed a spark.

They got one. In fact, they got two. Andy Hampson limited the Big Red to one goal over the final 30 minutes and Dan Marohl, strained hamstring and all, led the attack as UMBC came away with a 10-7 triumph.

"We just weren't getting anything done in the first half," said Hampson, who entered the game with a glittering, .861 save percentage. "They were getting underneath us and we weren't playing our usual hard-nosed style.

"Coach said some things at halftime, but we knew we had to play better. Maybe we were a little lucky to come away with a win, considering our performance."

Cornell looked every bit a team that had won its first two games, seniors Josh Morgan and Pat Dutton providing the offense in an effort that, at times, had the UMBC defenders looking confused.

"We were a little flat at the start," said Retrievers coach Don Zimmerman, "so it was good Andy [Hampson] was there to get us over the rough spots.

"I think we really took charge in the second half, which wasn't easy to do as Cornell made us do some things we weren't ready to do. Once the defense was straightened out, Dan Marohl stepped forward to give us the spark we needed."

Marohl's second of three goals ended a three-goal third period that saw the home team pull out to a 9-6 lead.

His last score halted a Cornell rally that saw the Big Red close to within two goals while continuing to put pressure on Hampson.

The Retrievers, off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 1992, will host No. 3 Duke on Wednesday, then will travel to No. 7 Georgetown on Saturday.

Cornell 3 3 0 1 -- 7

UMBC 4 2 3 1 -- 10

Goals: UMBC--Hard, Marohl 3, C. Gibson 2, Hahn, Harasym; C--Morgan 2, Dutton 2, Steinwald, Miaritis, Schardt. Assists: UMBC--Turner 2, Hanh; C--Key 2, Fort, Dutton. Saves: UMBC--Hampson 19; C--Cyncar 11. A: 1,160.

Pub Date: 3/14/99