VILLANOVA, Pa. – Men’s Lacrosse was defeated in their season by #12 Penn State (2-0), by a score of 15-4 on Sunday.
Both teams were unable to find a groove in the opening minutes until both squads struck midway through the stanza. The Wildcats’ Colin Michener picked up where he left off last season, finding the back of the net at 6:28 in the first.
The rest of the half was much of the same as only four total goals were scored after Michener’s until the teams went back to the locker room with the Nittany Lions leading 4-2.
The defense told the story in the first half, as the Nittany Lions were held to just 11 shots while Scot Mackie and Jack Shoemaker each caused two turnovers.
Entering the third quarter, down 4-2, the Wildcats were able to capitalize twice off defensive stands. Michener blocked a Penn State clear attempt, allowing the Wildcats to regain possession. The ball found its way to Matt Licata, who tore around the net and spun past a defender before scoring.
Brett Mallee, a graduate transfer playing in his first game as a Wildcat, caused a turnover, leading to Jack Shoemaker running the floor, ultimately dishing it off to Mack Prybylski for his first career goal.
Villanova did not score again until there were five minutes left in the final frame, when David Link was able to tally the Wildcats fifth goal of the game.
Tyler Sandoval was 10-19 on faceoff attempts in his first action in the blue and white, including at least two streaks of four straight wins in the circle. Ryan Cunningham also saw time taking faceoffs, winning three of the five he battled in.
Quinton Cepiel, Daniel Flaim, Aidan Haggerty, Eddie Jones, Matthew Swirbalus, and Ryan Welgos all made their collegiate debuts in Sunday’s game.
Penn State was led in the victory by two Tewaaraton Award Watch List members, Matt Traynor and Jack Fracyon. Traynor recorded a six-point outing for the second week in a row, while Fracyon made 10 saves in the win.
UP NEXT
Villanova Men’s Lacrosse will return to action Saturday, February 15, at 12:00 P.M., when they host the Yale Bulldogs at Villanova Stadium.