March 10, 2009

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA--The Saint Joseph's men's lacrosse squad ran into an unrelenting Drexel team on Tuesday night, falling, 8-4, to the Dragons at Finnesey Field. Sean Evans scored a natural hat trick late in the fourth quarter to give the Hawks thought of a comeback, but it wasn't enough as Drexel held on for the win.

Drexel (2-3) broke open a 2-1 game with a 6-0 run, which lasted 17:46 over the course of three periods. DU's Scott Perri scored all three of his team-high goals during that span that allowed Drexel the benefit of an 8-1 fourth-quarter lead.

During that span, Saint Joseph's (2-4) was stonewalled by freshman goalkeeper Mark Manos (10 saves) who made seven stops in the second and third periods combined.

The Hawks got on the board when Ian Kelly tallied an unassisted goal with 8:54 remaining in the second. SJU couldn't find its way past Manos, although Drexel out-shot the Hawks 21-15 in the second and third periods.

After surrendering two early fourth-quarter goals, Saint Joseph's was sparked by Evans who lit the lamp three times in just 72 seconds with 3:25 left to go. Unfortunately for Evans and the Hawks, no more offense could be mustered to cut into the Drexel lead. R.J. Bopf provided the only assist on the evening for Saint Joseph's on Evans's second goal.

Erik Hotaling made six saves for the Hawks, lowering his goals against average to 9.05 in 2009. The senior keeper picked up six ground balls and caused one turnover to his credit.

Drexel edged Saint Joseph's in many statistical categories such as shots (38-28), ground balls (28-22), face-offs won (11-5), and saves (10-6). The Dragons were perfect in clears, going 25-for-25, while SJU was 23-for 29.

Turnovers were nearly even as SJU committed one less, 23, than Drexel (24). The Hawks forced 15 Dragon turnovers while Drexel caused 12. Tom Wengenosky (five), Pat Harner (four) and Paul Crisafulli (three) accounted for 12 of the 15 SJU caused turnovers.

The Hawks will return to the field on Saturday for their MAAC opener at Siena. The game will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Siena Turf Field in Loudonville, N.Y. and will be broadcasted through the Saints Sports Network.

*** - Photos from tonight's game can be found at sidephotos.com