Box Score CENTER VALLEY (PA) – Delaware Valley University freshman
PJ Rafferty scored a record-tying five goals for the second time in the last three games, but it was enough as the visiting Aggies dropped a 16-9, Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom contest to DeSales University.
The setback moved DelVal's record to 5-6 overall and 1-2 in the MAC Freedom while the Bulldogs upped their mark to just 3-7 overall, but a perfect 3-0 in conference play.
Rafferty first matched the two-year-old program's record for goals in a game when he tallied five goals on five shots in a conference win at FDU-Florham (the record was first set by
Chris Coyle against Bryn Athyn College last season). On Saturday, he did it again, this time on nine shots. Rafferty added to his single-season record totals as he has now scored 26 goals and assisted on 18 others for 44 points.
Matt Brady gave the Aggies a 1-0 lead just 78 seconds into the game. DeSales responded with eight straight tallies, including two apiece from Ryan Loughlin, Joe Neggia and Bryan Weber. DelVal got one back with 9:50 left in the first half as Coyle scored off a feed from Brady. The Bulldogs went up 11-2 before Rafferty got his first of the afternoon with 2:50 remaining in the opening stanza.
Loughlin opened the third quarter with his fourth tally of the game for DeSales before Rafferty struck for back-to-back goals. The Bulldogs added three in the quarter for a 15-5 advantage. Coyle and Rafferty each found the net twice in the fourth quarter to end DelVal's scoring.
Coyle finished with three goals while Brady had a goal and a helper for a two-point afternoon.
Danny Smith and
Matt Tordone picked up six and four ground balls respectively.
Jon Fogarty stopped eight shots in net.
DeSales, which held a 43-28 advantage in shots, was led by Loughlin's four goals and one assist for five points. Weber finished with three goals while Neggia had two tallies and two assists for four points.
DelVal will host MAC Freedom foe King's College on Wednesday, April 20.
