Box Score

DOYLESTOWN (PA) – The Delaware Valley University men's lacrosse team put forth an impressive effort against the four-time defending Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom champion Eastern University but the Eagles pulled away in the second half for a 12-7 victory on Wednesday.

The Aggies, in just their second season, are 5-5 overall and 1-1 in the conference. Eastern improved to 7-5 with a 2-0 MAC Freedom record.

Freshman Austin Sensenig gave DelVal the early lead with an assist from freshman PJ Rafferty just over a minute into the contest. However, the Eagles countered with four consecutive markers for a 4-1 advantage. With seven seconds remaining in the opening quarter, Rafferty scored the first of his two highlight reel goals to cut the deficit to two.

Sensenig opened the scoring in the second with a helper from freshman Tyler Roberto to make it a one-goal affair. After an Eastern tally, Delaware Valley registered two straight to tie the game at five apiece with 2:25 to go before halftime. Sophomore Chris Coyle and Roberto had the goals. The two teams traded points with Rafferty's second tying the score at six with 28 seconds left. However, the Eagles' freshman Mark Buannic hit the back of the net with four ticks on the clock for a 7-6 advantage at the break.

Eastern took over in the third period, potting three in a row for a 10-6 cushion. Sophomore Matt Brady scored with 2:12 to go in the quarter to put the Aggies back within three. However, the Eagles were able to control the ball throughout the fourth stanza, scoring two goals on the way to securing the win.

Junior Tim Lamb led Eastern with five goals and four assists. Senior Desmond Decker posted one goal and three assists while Buannic and sophomore Brian Mizell totaled three and two goals respectively. Freshman Jake Pousson hit the back of the net one time and junior Matt Martin and sophomores Jake Billera, Grant Smith and David Hipp each notched one assist. Sophomore Jameal Hadeed made some key saves in goal, finishing with nine.

Rafferty ended the game with two goals and three assists for DelVal. Sensenig had two goals and Roberto tallied one goal and one assist. Coyle and Brady recorded a goal apiece. Senior Jon Fogarty stopped eight shots between the pipes.

Next, Delaware Valley visits DeSales University for a conference game on Saturday, April 16 (1:00 p.m.).