Press Release written by Mitchell Coll
NEWARK, Del. - - No. 2 ranked Mercyhurst spoiled the Wilmington University men's lacrosse 2023 home opener as the Lakers topped the Wildcats, 15-8, on Saturday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.
The Lakers (2-0) qualified for the 2022 NCAA North Regional and started this season by defeating No. 6 Wingate University, 16-13. The Lakers scored six goals in the first quarter and two more in the second to take an 8-3 lead into halftime.
The Wildcats (0-2) saw themselves down by two goals early as the Lakers were able to put two on the board four minutes into the game. However, under five minutes into the match, the Wildcats retained possession in their defensive zone from a turnover. TJ Caton linked up with John Greene to clear the zone, as Greene found Caton, who then had an open goal due to the Lakers' goalie marking a Wildcat. Caton scored the Wildcats' first goal at home for the 2023 season on the empty netter.
The Wildcats would tie up the game with five minutes to play. TJ Caton reset the offense and found Logan Stinson behind the net. Stinson quickly found Gio Marino on the left side of the net. Marino quickly fired the shot to the top right corner, passing the Laker's goalie, 2-2.
A Lakers' turnover in their defensive zone led to the Wildcats having a quick restart by Miles Crouse. Crouse found Marino again, who took advantage of his immediate release as he saw the back of the net again. Marino's goal was the only goal for the Wildcats in the second quarter.
The Wildcats had the best offensive production in the third quarter, scoring four goals. The goals were scored by Logan Stinson, TJ Caton twice, and Giovanni Marino. The Wildcats found themselves with a man-up as the Lakers were charged a 1-minute slashing penalty. Jacob Herman found Logan Stinson on the right side. The ball movement gave Stinson a great look at goal as the lefty fired in the shot to cut the Wildcats' deficit to five goals, 9-4, 11:54 left in the third. Within the minute, the Wildcats scored again as TJ Caton scored his second of the game, as it was 9-5 Lakers with a little under 11 to play in the third.
Face-offs were again the Wildcat's Achilles heel as the Lakers won just about 80 percent of the face-offs (21 of 27).
The Wildcats scored the first goal of the fourth as Giovanni Marino scored his fourth of the game, cutting the deficit to 12-8. But the Lakers had an answer, winding the clock down and adding a goal at the end of it to seize the momentum. The Lakers scored the final three goals of the fourth.
Marino led the Wildcats to four goals on six shots on goal. TJ Caton added three goals on six shots on goals. Stinson added a goal and two assists. Jack Cruz went the distance between the pipes and made 15 saves.
The Wildcats will continue their tough non-conference schedule as they welcome the #11/13 Pace University Setters to the Complex on March 4 at 2:00 PM.