TAMPA, Fla. - - Defending NCAA Division II National Champion and currently ranked No. 1 Tamps was too much for the Wilmington University men's lacrosse team in the Wildcats' 2023 season opener, 25-5, on Saturday afternoon at Naimolu Stadium.
The Spartans went 21-0 last year to win the NCAA Division II National Championship and started this season 2-0 for 23 consecutive wins. Tampa scored nine goals in the first quarter and seven more in the second to take a 16-4 lead into the halftime break.
TJ Caton went the length of the field in the early going, using the bounce to put the Wildcats on the board and tie the game, 1-1, with 13:36 to play. But the Spartans scored the next four goals, taking a 5-1 lead with 10:59 to play in the first. Jacob Herman scored his first of the game to make it 5-2, and then added his second of the game to bring the Wildcats to within 7-3 with 5:14 in the quarter. Tampa scored two more before the end of the quarter, taking a 9-3 lead into the second frame.
Tampa scored the first seven goals of the second quarter before Layton Avant scored his first of the season with three seconds left. Tampa took a 16-4 lead into the halftime break.
The home team scored all five goals that occurred in the third quarter. Giovanni Marino got in the scoresheet in the fourth quarter, but as it was too little too late for the Wildcats as Tampa also won the fourth quarter, 4-1, to close out the contest, 25-5.
Jacob Herman led the Wildcats with two goals and two assists while TJ Caton, Gio Marino, and Layton Avant all scored goals as well. Caton led the Wildcats with five ground balls as well while Jaeden Henson and Matt Kracyla led with two caused turnovers each.
Face-offs were dominated by Tampa, 24-10, leading to an advantage in shots, 61-31. Lucas Price made five saves in the first quarter before Jack Cruz played the remaining three quarters and made six saves, both in their Wildcat debuts.
The Wildcats' loaded start continues in two weeks when they have their home opener against nationally ranked Mercyhurst. The Lakers come to Delaware on Saturday, February 25 with the opening face-off set for 11:00 a.m. at the WU Athletics Complex.
