CASTINE, Maine — The Husson University men's lacrosse team delivered an explosive offensive performance on Saturday afternoon, defeating SUNY Delhi, 19-13, in a high-scoring North Atlantic Conference semifinal matchup at Maine Maritime Academy's Ritchie Field.
The Eagles (11-4) came out strong early, as senior Kiernan Field scored twice in the opening minutes to give Husson a quick 2-0 lead. SUNY Delhi (6-8) responded with a pair of goals to even the score, but sophomore Cody Dingwell found the back of the net off an assist from Field to put Husson back in front. The Broncos added a late goal to send the game into the second quarter tied at 3-3.
SUNY Delhi carried that momentum into the second quarter, scoring the first two goals to take a 5-3 lead. Husson answered with a dominant stretch, highlighted by three straight goals from Field to regain the lead. Freshman Alek Duprey added a man-up goal to extend the advantage, and Field capped the half with a man-down tally in the final seconds to give Husson an 8-7 lead at the break.
The Eagles took control in the third quarter with a decisive offensive surge. After SUNY Delhi briefly took a 9-8 lead, Husson responded with a seven-goal outburst. Freshman Gabe Robinson tied the game before sophomore Dominic Hollenkamp ignited the run with multiple goals. Contributions from sophomore Taylor Schwalje and Robinson helped stretch the lead to 15-10 heading into the final quarter.
Husson continued to apply pressure in the fourth quarter, extending its lead with goals from junior Owen Giorgio and Robinson. Hollenkamp added another tally, and sophomore Drew Clinch capped the scoring in the final seconds as the Eagles secured the 19-13 victory.
Field led the offensive effort with a dominant performance, recording six goals and five assists. Hollenkamp added five goals and an assist, while Robinson contributed three goals and an assist. Schwalje, Giorgio, Duprey, Dingwell, and Clinch each found the back of the net in the win.
Husson controlled key areas of the game, holding a 58-39 advantage in ground balls and winning the faceoff battle, 21-15, including sophomore Brian Peabody, who went 17-28 for the game. The Eagles also generated 57 shots compared to 44 for SUNY Delhi, consistently applying offensive pressure throughout the contest.
In goal, senior Odin Burk recorded eight saves to earn the victory and set a new single-season record for goalie wins with his 10th victory, as Husson improved to 11-4 on the season and advanced to the NAC title game for the first time since 2021.
The Eagles will look to earn their first-ever NAC title on Sunday when they battle top-seeded Maine Maritime Academy in Castine at 3 p.m.
