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NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University men's lacrosse team stormed out to a large lead before having to hang on down the stretch in a 13-9 nonconference victory over Saint Michael's on Wednesday at the WU Athletics Complex.
The Wildcats (2-3) used a 6-0 advantage in the second quarter to open an 11-2 halftime lead. Saint Michael's (1-5) scored five goals in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late for the Purple Knights as the Wildcats held on for the 13-9 victory.
The Purple Knights scored the game's first goal with 11:35 to play in the first quarter, but then the Wildcats answered with five consecutive goals to take a 5-1 lead. The Wildcats used four different goal scorers in the run, getting goals from Miles Crouse, Logan Stinson, Jacob Herman, TJ Caton, and another by Herman with 3:47 to play to lead 5-1.
It was all Wilmington in the second quarter, as they started a 6-0 run with a goal from Jacob Herman with 5:28 to play before the half. Logan Stinson scored on the mand-advantage and then Jake Copio, Keeshawn Bell, Jimmy Cava, and Layton Avant all scored to give the Wildcats an 11-2 lead at the break.
The run continued into the third quarter, as Logan Stinson made it seven straight goals with a man-advantage goal, giving the Wildcats a 12-2 lead. St. Michael's scored back-to-back goals but Jimmy Cava scored with 2:04 left to give the Wildcats a 13-4 lead going into the final quarter.
The Purple Knights turned up the intensity in the final 15 minutes, but the Wildcats' cushion was able to hold firm. The Purple Knights scored all five goals in the fourth quarter, closing to within 13-9 with 2:29 to play. The Purple Knights got three shots off on their next possession, but Jason Roland came up with the save to keep the visitors off the board any more.
Jacob Herman led the Wildcats with three goals and three assists. Logan Stinson scored three goals and added two assists. Jimmy Cava found the back of the net twice while Miles Crouse, Jake Copio, and TJ Caton chipped in with a goal and an assist each.
Anton Mackey went 8-of-9 in the face-off circle while Tucker Plasse finished 7-of-15. Nick Bruhn led the defense with four ground balls, adding a caused turnover as well. Jason Roland made 11 stops in goal for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats' tough nonconference schedule continues with their contest, as they travel to Lake Erie on Saturday. The Storm are receiving votes in this week's USILA Division II Coaches Poll, much like the Wildcats. The opening face-off is set for 1:00 p.m.
