WORCESTER, Mass.— Holy Cross men's lacrosse head coach
J.L. Reppert earned his first victory as a head coach as the Crusaders fought-back in come-from-behind fashion to claim an 11-10 win against Sacred Heart.
Junior
Peter Murphy tallied the game-winning goal for the Crusaders with just 2:36 left to play in the fourth quarter. Junior
Will Spangenberg added on one of his three assists to Murphy's goal and finished with four points.
Sophomore classmates
Dean DiNanno and
Cameron Magalotti stepped up for the Crusader offense, each posting three goals. Senior
Brad Baker posted a goal and sophomore
Jayce Lambert added on another two to fill out the Crusader's offensive efforts.
Junior goaltender
A.J. Fox made the first start of his career, while posting his first win and 17 saves in the effort. The Crusader defense posted 10 caused turnovers, led by junior
Chris Conlin's five. Conlin also led Holy Cross with six ground balls.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- After falling into a 3-0 hole at the end of the first quarter, the Crusaders fired off four unanswered goals of their own in the second to take a 4-3 lead. Dean DiNanno led the way during the second frame with two of his three goals.
- As the third quarter began, the Crusaders led 5-4 but penalty trouble led to the Pioneers taking back a 7-6 lead. Sacred Heart and Holy Cross traded goals to end the third quarter and the Pioneers took a 8-7 lead into the final frame.
- After allowing a quick Pioneer goal in the fourth, Brad Baker responded for the Crusaders and to keep Holy Cross within one. Sacred Heart pushed its lead to two with a goal at the 8:51 mark of the fourth.
- Down 10-8 with under nine minutes to go, the Crusaders claimed three goals, including Peter Murphy's eventual game-winner to secure the 11-10 victory. Freshman Peter Roegge sealed the game with a caused turnover in the final minute to reclaim the ball for the Crusaders.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
- Holy Cross had 10 caused turnovers to Sacred Heart's one.
- A.J. Fox made his first start in goal and posted 17 saves.
- Dean DiNanno tied a career-high with three goals.
- Cameron Magalotti had a career-high three goals.
- The Crusaders have now won two straight season openers, defeating Sacred Heart this year and Merrimack last season.
UP NEXT:
- The Crusaders will travel to Colgate on Saturday, March 6 at 4:30.
