DOYLESTOWN (Pa.) – The Delaware Valley University men's lacrosse team extended their win-streak to three consecutive games as they defeated the visiting Colonels of Wilkes University, 16-9, in Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom play.
The Aggies are back above .500 as they improved to 6-5 overall and 2-0 in conference play for the first time in program history. Wilkes dropped their fourth-straight matchup and remained winless in conference play.
DelVal came out the blocks hot scoring two goals in 90 seconds of play as part of their 8-0 run in the first 11 minutes. Brett Ziegler and Cole Graeff started things of for the Aggies as Ziegler caused a turnover and found Graeff to give the home team an early lead. Jack Sprinkle went on to score the four goals followed by Ziegler, Chris Marren and Kieran Schneider finding the net. Five of the eight Aggies goals were assisted and the home team led 8-0 after 11:05 of play.
The Colonels responded with a 4-0 run that bled into the second quarter. Tim Hartka got the team on the board first and Wilkes took advantage of a Delaware Valley non-releasable penalty to record two man-up goals to end the first. Luke Weakland capped the run with an unassisted tally 31 seconds into the second quarter to make it 8-4.
The teams traded goals throughout the second with Marren and Daniel Aulisi scoring for the Aggies to make it a 10-5 game at the half. DelVal controlled much of the first half and outshot the visitors, 21-8, in shots on goal.
The Aggies outscored the Colonels 4-2 in the fourth with four different players scoring to double-up the Wilkes, 14-7, after three.
Like all game, the Colonels continued to fight back scoring two goals in four minutes to start the fourth quarter but the Aggies lead was too much for Wilkes to overcome. Sprinkle's career-high fifth goal of the game closed out it out for DelVal in the 16-9 victory.
Graeff and Marren each had six total points led the team, while Ziegler and Sprinkle registered five points apiece. A duo of first-years got involved as Aulisi's stellar season continued with two goals and Kieran Schneider added a goal for the second-straight game. Sean Mylod coming off MAC Freedom Defensive Player of the Week and USILA Team of the Week honors, led the team again in ground balls (9) and caused turnovers (4). Ryley Savering got the start in goal and remained undefeated as he moved to 2-0 after recording nine saves. The Aggies outshot the Colonels 52-34 and won the ground ball game 43-25. At the faceoff x, DelVal won 16-of-25 battles.
For Wilkes, Kadis' two goals and one assist led the team and Tucker Parmer picked up three ground balls to lead the team. Joesph Marino played all 60 minutes in goal racking up 18 saves.
The Aggies look to continue their win-streak as they host Lycoming College, Wednesday, April 5th at 7:00pm.
