PHILIPPI, W.Va. - - Alderson Broaddus held the advantage in the face-off circle and subsequently controlled the pace of play, leading to a 12-8 victory over the Wilmington University men's lacrosse team on Tuesday at the ADU Multi-Sport Performance Stadium.
The second quarter was most noticeable, as the Battlers (1-3) won six of the eight face-offs to go on and win the quarter, 5-2, on the scoreboard. The Wildcats (1-5) couldn't overcome the deficit before the half, despite outshooting the Battlers, 40-29, for the game.
Dylan McCleaft put the Wildcats on the board late in the first quarter, cutting the Battler lead in half with six seconds left on the clock. Chris Smith brought the Wildcats to within 3-2 with his first goal of the day early in the second quarter while Josh Burley made it a 4-3 game with 7:07 left in the half. But the Battlers scored the final three goals of the second quarter to hold a 7-3 lead at the break.
Each team scored once in the third quarter and the Wildcats pushed the ball offensively in the fourth to attempt a comeback. The Wildcats got the game to within two goals, 10-8, with 4:42 to play, but the Battlers took the ensuing face-off and scored just 1:05 later to seize control once more and take the contest.
Chris Smith scored to cut the deficit to 8-5 but the Battlers responded with back-to-back goals to lead 10-5. Cory Melvin scored followed by back-to-back goals from Smith to bring the Wildcats to within 10-8 late in the fourth.
The Wildcats outshot the Battlers, 16-9, in the fourth quarter, but Alderson Broaddus goalkeeper Joseph Varela made eight stops in the final frame to secure the win.
Smith led the offense with a new program record five goals while Burley, Melvin, and McCleaft each scored once. Burley and Melvin added assists while James Colligan picked up an assist as well. Mike Adams led the team with three caused turnovers while John Novak, Jon Howell, and McCleaft scooped up four ground balls each. Noah Given made eight stops in goal for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats remain in the state of West Virginia for their next contest, as they head to Elkins, West Virginia to play Davis & Elkins on Thursday afternoon. Opening face-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday.