Mens’ Lacrosse Pushes Back and Opens with Win
by Brendan Kerrigan ‘09
Sports Editor··································
When we last left the mens’ lacrosse team, they had just opened their season with an impressive 11-6 win over visiting Eastern University. The next test for the team would come as they traveled to Baltimore to play Swarthmore College, on the neutral grounds of Baltimore Lutheran High School.
The cold and blustery day seemed to take the Jackets out of their groove as they took the field against the Granite. Swarthmore seemed to outplay the Jackets in every aspect of the game, as they comprised a 7-2 victory. The Granites pressured the Jackets and forced them out of their comfort zone, and once out, it was difficult to return. The goals of the game were scored by sophomore Billy Rowe, and freshman Connor Barnes. Assists were added by senior captain Tyler Watkins, and junior Chris Lamb. Freshman goalies split time in the net as Patrick Nugent comprised 6 saves, while Adam Liberto tallied 5.
The next match for the Jackets was that of visitors to the Hornets of Shenandoah University. The Jackets jumped early on the Hornets scoring early and taking a 5-2 lead into halftime. However, the Hornets, led by Teddy Rogers, never gave up and kept retaliating with goals. The game was tied going into the last minute at the score of 8-8. The Hornets, Rogers, was able to break a defender and net the go-ahead goal with just seven seconds left on the clock. In a heartbreaking loss, the Jackets were aided by the offensive of Rowe with 3 goals, seniors Watkins and Paul Johnsen with 2 each, and freshman Zach Craft scoring once. Johnsen also recorded 2 assist, while Craft grabbed one as well. Nugent and Liberto split time again, each earning 2 saves.
Now at 1-3, the Jackets played host the Cardinals of Catholic University this past Sunday. Having played Catholic to one-goal games the past two years, the Jackets knew they would have to step up their game if they wanted to earn a victory. They did just that, as the men pounced early on the Cardinals and never looked back, ending in an exciting 11-2 victory. Leading 6-1 at halftime, the Jackets continued their enthusiasm and never gave the Cardinals a chance to get back into the game. Goals were scored by Rowe (3), Johnsen (2), Peter LaPaglia (2), Rich Wilkens (2), Watkins and Keith Baker with one each. Watkins added two assists while freshman attackers Craft and Kevin Patton also added. The defense was held down by junior Kurt Henegan, senior Jason DiMarcantonio and freshman Thomas Jackson and Kris Knopp. In goal, Liberto, played his best collegiate game to date, allowing only two goals and amassing 14 saves.
The next test for the Jackets is this Saturday on the home field as they play host to Curry College at 1:00pm.
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