Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/28/17
Delaware jumped out to a big 9-4 halftime lead and used an overpowering five-goal fourth quarter to win its second straight game Tuesday afternoon as the Blue Hens men’s lacrosse squad knocked off host VMI 15-9 at Drill Field.
The Blue Hens (3-2), who downed the Keydets for the second straight year and remained unbeaten in four all-time meetings, prevailed thanks to a big finish in the fourth quarter. VMI (1-2) had cut the Delaware lead to 10-8 early in the final stanza but the Blue Hens pulled away, outscoring them 5-1 the rest of the way for the victory.
Delaware sophomore Andrew Romagnoli led all scorers with four goals – his fourth hat trick in five games this season – and also dished out an assist while senior midfielder Steve DeLargy scored three times, including twice in the final 8:09, and dished out an assist.
In all, seven different Blue Hens found the back of the net as senior Trupert Ortlieb (Episcopal Academy) scored three times, freshman Charlie Kitchen (St. Augustine Prep) scored twice and dished out an assist, senior Paul Major (Spring-Ford) had a goal and three assists, senior Will Hirschmann contributed a goal and an assist, and sophomore Campbell Parker scored once.
“We are really pleased to come away with this win today,” said Bob Shillinglaw, who won his 330th career game. “Give credit to VMI as they played hard all four quarters. It was a hard-fought victory for our guys.”
Also for the Blue Hens, freshman Crosby Matthews won 14 of 19 faceoffs attempts and freshman goalkeeper Matt DeLuca, the reigning Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week, turned back eight shots to earn the win in his second straight start.
Romagnoli and Ortlieb each scored three times in the first half to stake the Hens to a 9-4 lead at halftime. VMI used a 4-1 run to pull to within 10-8 eight seconds into the final stanza, but Hirschmann and Romagnoli scored two minutes apart to give the Hens some breathing room and DeLargy put the game away with two goals in the final 8:09.
Delaware held a commanding 53-25 advantage in shots, a 37-31 edge in groundballs, won 16 of 27 faceoffs, and were successful on 21 of 22 clear attempts. The Hens also forced a season-high 17 turnovers.
Sacred Heart 14, Lafayette 10
Eric Joseph, Kevin Lewis and Scott McAvoy (Wyomissing) each had two goals and an assist for the Leopards in the non-conference defeat.
Division III
Eastern 9, Augustana 3
The Eagles (2-2) used a stifling defense, timely offense, and a dominating faceoff game to beat the host Vikings in Colorado Springs. Matt Martin scored three times and added an assist in his first career start.