FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Courtesy of JWU Athletics Communications
MEDFORD, Mass. --- The Johnson & Wales University men's lacrosse team hung in for three-quarters of the game against the United States Merchant Marine Academy in the first NCAA Tournament game in program history. Unfortunately, the Wildcats couldn't keep up with the Mariners in the fourth quarter as they defeated JWU, 22-15, on Tuesday.
Records:
Merchant Marine Academy: 14-2
Johnson & Wales: 9-12
Statistical Leaders:
Eric Russo: 4 goals, 3 assists
Ben Farrell: 3 goals
Max Stone: 3 goals
Of Note:
Eric Russo's second goal of the day gave the Wildcats a 4-2 advantage, but the Mariners responded by scoring four-straight goals to take a 6-4 lead. Russo and Ben Farrell scored to tie the game at 6-6 five minutes into the second quarter. USMMA went into the half with a 14-11 lead.
Just before the end of the third quarter, Russo found the back of the net then Max Stone scored just two minutes into the fourth quarter to cut the Mariners' advantage to 14-12. Over the next six minutes, USMMA scored five times to put the game out of reach.
The Mariners dominated the faceoff, winning 31 of 40 which led to a 61-35 advantage in shots. USMMA also had a 47-23 margin in ground balls.
The departure of seniors Russo, Stone and Sam Sears leaves avoid in the Wildcats' scoring next year. Farrell and sophomore Brad Kretz will be looked upon to increase their scoring in 2019