
ORANGEBURG, N.Y. - - A strong third quarter allowed No. 2 Georgian Court to come back and defeat the No. 1 Wilmington University men's lacrosse team, 9-8, in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Tournament Championship game on Saturday afternoon at O'Brien Field.
The Wildcats (11-4) led 6-3 at the halftime break, but a 5-0 third quarter allowed Georgian Court to climb back into the contest. The Wildcats tied the game, 8-8, but a Lions' goal with 7:10 to play proved to be the game-winner.
Layton Avant scored the Wildcats' first goal with 4:33 to play in the first quarter, but the Lions answered back with a goal with 48 seconds remaining to take a 2-1 lead into the second frame.
The Wildcats came out firing in the second quarter, getting goals from Andrew Dzubak, Kyle Parker, Dzubak again, Brady Frys, and Toby Templeton to grab a 6-2 lead with 3:46 showing on the clock.
The Wildcats won 5-of-6 face offs in the third quarter, but were hindered by six turnovers, limiting their shots to a game-low eight in the quarter. Georgian Court goalkeeper Vincent Burkhart made three stops in the quarter as well. The Lions' scoring starting with 14:09 to play, scoring four more times to take an 8-6 lead with 6:14 left in the quarter. After a timeout, the Wildcats had four shots the rest of the quarter, but two or saved and one hit the post.
The Wildcats won the face off to start the fourth quarter and Josh Lovely quickly scored to snap the Lions' streak. Tyler Quinn forced a turnover, scooped up the ground ball, and went coast-to-coast to tie the game, 8-8, with 8:18 to play. But the Lions won the ensuing face off and scored on the possession, retaking the lead, 9-8.
Carter Earl and Andrew Dzubak had took shots in the five-minute mark, but both were wide of the frame. Carter Earl and Josh Lovely had opportunities around the 1:00 minute mark, but both attempts were wide as well. The Wildcats turned the ball over five times after Georgian Court took the lead, including twice with less than 45 seconds to play.
Andrew Dzubak led the Wildcats with two goals and one assist while Toby Templeton had one goal and an assist. Tyler Quinn had a goal and eight ground balls while Brady Frys and Paul Army led with two caused turnovers each. Daniel Flynn made eight saves in goal.
Andrew Dzubak, Daniel Flynn, Quinn Tracy, and Connor Widmer were named to the CACC All-Tournament Team for their efforts in the two postseason games.
The Wildcats are still alive for an NCAA Division II North Region berth but now need to wait to hear their name called as an at-large bid. The NCAA selection show is scheduled for Sunday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. on NCAA.com.