DOYLESTOWN (Pa.) – The Delaware Valley University men's lacrosse team hosted Lebanon Valley College for its 2022 home opener but suffered a 7-3 non-conference defeat on Saturday afternoon.
The Dutchmen (2-1) held a 2-0 lead after one thanks to a pair of goals from Alex Kiviniemi, and added a man-up tally early in the second quarter to take a three-goal lead.
The Aggies (0-3) failed to convert on seven man-up opportunities in the first half, but did get on the board when Jack Sprinkle created his own shot and found the back of the net with 8:39 left in the half.
Kiviniemi responded with his third goal of the half with 1:35 remaining as he took a pass from Colin Hughes and buried it in the top corner to give the Dutchmen a 4-1 lead at the break. Lebanon Valley had 11 shots on goal in the first half compared to nine for the Aggies.
DelVal scored the first two goals of the second half separated by two minutes, 40 seconds to pull within one, 4-3. Sprinkle setup Brett Ziegler for his second of the year and Chris Marren followed with his first career tally.
That would be all the offense the home team could muster as the Dutchmen fended off seven shots on goal and halted four more extra man opportunities while tacking on one more goal before the end of the third and two in the fourth to secure the 7-3 victory.
DelVal was 21-for25 on clear attempts and held the visitors to a 22-for-30 effort while faceoffs were split even, 6-6. The Aggies held a 38-19 advantage in ground balls but finished 0-for-11 on man-up chances while Lebanon Valley was 2-for-4.
Kiviniemi led all players with three goals and an assist for four points and Bollinger followed with a goal and an assist as seven different players registered a point. Nick Serrano earned the win in goal with 13 saves.
For the Aggies, three different players scored including Sprinkle who led the way with a goal and an assist to go with four ground balls. Nick Bogdan led the defensive effort with six ground balls and two caused turnovers, while Nick Matthew handled the faceoff duties winning six and grabbing six ground balls.
DelVal will have six days off before visiting Albright College next Saturday for a 1 p.m. start.
