EMMITSBURG, Md. (March 23, 2024) – Posting key goals down the stretch and earning a key defensive stop at game's end, Mount St. Mary's men's lacrosse held off the Wagner Seahawks for an 8-7 victory.
Defense played a huge role throughout the contest, forcing eight turnovers on Wagner.
Mitchell Dunham led the way with a pair of caused turnovers and seven ground balls.
Caden Cote had two CT's as did
Ben Ward, who helped seal the victory by forcing an errant Seahawks pass as the seconds ticked down.
Owen Peters had another solid showing in net, earning 11 saves.
On offense,
Brody Atkinson finished with a hat trick and a four point day.
Cormac Giblin had a multi-goal game, and
Kyle Cullen and
Kevin Whitty had multi-point efforts.
Ethan Holobinko went 10-for-19 in the faceoff circle.
By holding the Seahawks scoreless in the opening period, the Mount was able to establish control. Giblin posted both his goals in the first quarter for a 2-0 lead. Atkinson made it three with an opening minute score in the second quarter. Wagner cut it down to one on two goals in quick succession, but the Mountaineers responded with Atkinson and Whitty finding the back of the net.
Coming out of the locker room up 5-2, strong defense maintained the advantage coupled with a late goal from Cullen. The 6-3 advantage was placed in jeopardy by Conor Julich of Wagner, scoring twice in 35 seconds to pull the game back to 6-5. Atkinson and Conor Barrett tallied clutch goals in the fourth quarter which Wagner was able to answer, including Julich's third. Needing to hold on with 2:32 remaining, the Mount won a pivotal face-off that helped burn more than a minute off the clock. Wagner received one last chance with 48 seconds to go, but aggressive defense forced the turnover, ensuring the Mount's win.
The victory moves Mount St. Mary's to 1-8 on the season and 1-2 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. First year Head Coach
Chris Ryan earns his first win as head coach of the Mountaineers.
Remaining at home, the Mount battles VMI in a noon contest on Wednesday (Mar. 27).
