In a second consecutive overtime game, the Stony Brook men’s lacrosse team was unable to secure its first Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) win of the season.
Coming off a heartbreaking Battle of Long Island defeat, the Seawolves headed down to Maryland to take on the Towson Tigers in hopes of coming home with a much-needed victory on Saturday afternoon. Instead, Stony Brook was defeated in nail-biting, 13-12 fashion in a contest that required an extra period.
Contrary to the Seawolves’ previous overtime session, this one ended quickly. FOGO Robbie Smith lost the frame’s opening face-off to Towson FOGO Myles Quandt, and on the Tigers’ ensuing possession, midfielder Josh Webber scored on a low shot to give his team the win; Towson’s second straight overtime win.
The first half was as even as they come. After 30 minutes of play, the score read 7-7, and the sides were also not heavily separated statistically. The teams were nearly even in shots and turnovers, though Stony Brook held an edge in face-offs and ground balls.
Coming off the break, Stony Brook posted its best quarter. On the back of goaltender Jamison MacLachlan’s five saves, the Seawolves defense almost entirely shut down the Tigers’ attack, conceding just two goals in the frame. On the other end, the Seawolves scored four times, and entered the fourth quarter appearing to be heading towards victory — just like they did last week. However, another poor fourth frame spoiled that idea.
Looking for a comeback in front of its home fans at Johnny Unitas Stadium, Towson responded with aggression on both sides of the ball in the fourth quarter. In the period, it fired off 13 shots to Stony Brook’s five, was +2 on the turnover differential (5-3) and scooped up 10 ground balls to the Seawolves’ five. The Tigers’ advantage in those departments allowed them to outscore the visitors 3-1 to bring the affair to overtime.
Head coach Anthony Gilardi did not speak to the media after the game.
Stony Brook was outshot 47 (29 shots on goal) to 35 (21 shots on goal). It lost the ground ball battle 38-30, was -5 (18-13) on the turnover differential but won 18 face-offs to Towson’s 10.
MacLachlan made 16 saves for a .552 save percentage. Conversely, Towson goaltender Luke Downs finished with nine stops for a .429 mark.
Freshman attackman Brendan Marino led the Seawolves in scoring with a career-high five goals. For the Tigers, star attackman Mikey Weisshaar spearheaded their offensive effort with five scores and an assist.
Things will not get any easier for Stony Brook. Next, it will host the No. 12/13 Fairfield Stags in CAA play, who are yet to lose this year. The Stags are 9-0 following a 12-11 victory over Drexel. Opening face-off on Saturday from Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium is scheduled for noon.
