DOYLESTOWN, Pa. – Kieran Schneider recorded a hat trick in the season opener for Delaware Valley men's lacrosse, but the Aggies fell to Wilkes University 8-4 on Saturday afternoon.
The Aggies were put on the defensive early after James Cadott was assessed a penalty just four seconds into the game. Wilkes managed only one shot during the man-up opportunity, which was blocked. After Luke Witko had a shot saved, Kline opened the scoring for the Colonels two and a half minutes in. Maxwell Campbell forced a turnover to create another chance for Witko, but Wilkes quickly transitioned and extended its lead to 2-0. The teams traded possessions before an offsides call gave DelVal a man-up opportunity. Schneider capitalized, cutting the deficit in half.
To open the second quarter, Carter Buccello hit the post before Peter DelRossi found Luca Aliano for his first career goal, tying the game at 2-2. Wilkes responded with sustained pressure, and Kline struck again with seven minutes remaining to regain the lead. Following the ensuing faceoff, Santoro hit the post and goalkeeper Daniel Hickling made several key saves to keep the Aggies within striking distance. With 1:43 left in the half, DiFrancesco scored to give the Colonels a 4-2 advantage at the break.
Wilkes took control early in the third quarter, capitalizing on two DelVal turnovers and adding another goal to build a 7-2 lead. Despite a brief man-up opportunity, the Aggies were unable to convert. Hickling continued his strong play in net, finishing with 13 saves on the day.
Early in the fourth quarter, Cadott connected downfield with Schneider for his second goal of the afternoon. After another turnover, DiFrancesco answered for Wilkes to make it 8-3. DelVal was unable to capitalize on two more man-up chances, but Schneider forced a late turnover and scored with eight seconds remaining to complete his hat trick and set the final at 8-4.
With the loss, the Aggies fall to 0-1 on the season. Delaware Valley returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 28, hosting Albright College at 1:00 p.m.
