SALEM, Mass. – The Husson University men's lacrosse team battled back from an early deficit and showed offensive balance throughout, but ultimately fell to Salem State University, 16-12, in non-conference action on Wednesday evening.
Salem State (5-3) struck quickly to open the contest, scoring three goals in the opening minute and a half to take an early 3-0 lead. Husson (7-3) responded midway through the first quarter, beginning with a goal from sophomore Taylor Schwalje off an assist from sophomore Dominic Hollenkamp. Senior Kiernan Field followed with an unassisted tally before Hollenkamp tied the game at 3-3 with a goal off a Schwalje feed.
The Vikings answered with back-to-back goals to regain control, but Field scored a man-up goal in the final minute of the quarter to cut the deficit to 5-4 heading into the second.
In the second quarter, Husson continued to battle and briefly pulled even multiple times. Field scored twice in the period, including a man-down goal that tied the game at 6-6. Hollenkamp added a man-up goal, and freshman Gabe Robinson finished a feed from sophomore Drew Clinch to knot the score at 8-8 with 3:36 remaining in the half. However, Salem State closed the half with two late goals to take a 10-8 advantage into the break.
After halftime, the Vikings created separation with a 4-1 third quarter. Hollenkamp scored the lone Husson goal in the frame on a man-up opportunity, but Salem State extended its lead to 14-9 heading into the final period.
Husson made one final push in the fourth quarter. Field opened the scoring early in the period before Hollenkamp added another goal to bring the Eagles within three at 14-11. After Salem State answered, Field converted another man-up opportunity off a Schwalje assist to trim the deficit to 15-12 with just over seven minutes to play. Despite several chances down the stretch, the Eagles were unable to get any closer as Salem State added a late insurance goal to secure the 16-12 final.
Field led the Husson offense with six goals on 13 shots, while Hollenkamp added four goals and two assists. Schwalje contributed a goal and two assists, and Robinson finished with a goal and an assist.
Defensively, junior Owen Giorgio paced the Eagles with seven ground balls, while Field added four ground balls and a caused turnover. In goal, senior Odin Burk recorded 10 saves over 60 minutes of action.
As a team, Husson held advantages in extra-man opportunities, converting 4-of-7 chances, but Salem State controlled possession with a 19-12 edge in faceoffs and a 30-26 advantage in ground balls.
The Eagles will return home for their next action on the field, as they will host SUNY Delhi in North Atlantic Conference play at 12 p.m. on Apr. 11.
