Powers Extends Scoring Streak in Scrappy Defeat

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Ted Powers continued his scoring streak and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy men's lacrosse team played a strong second half, but a balanced attack from Springfield College earned them a 19-4 NEWMAC win.

Springfield shut out the Buccaneers in the first half, finding the net five times in the first quarter, adding seven more in the second. Tom Hurley had a hat trick and two assists by half-time, while Jack Vail had a goal and two assists.

The Pride scored two goals within 10 seconds of each other three minutes into the third quarter, which seemed to get Mass Maritime moving. Ben Avakian then caused a turnover off the ensuing face-off, picking up a groundball and driving through the defense. A quick flip and the Bucs were finally on the board.

Springfield quickly gained the goal back, and the next eight minutes of the third saw the teams switch possessions in a scrappy affair. Matthew Pierson, who entered in goal in the second half for MMA, dished a save to the defenders, and Maritime worked the ball up the field. Once more, Avakian fired home, making the score 15-2.

Keaghan Bartley had a third quarter goal, but the score was 19-3 with 61 seconds remaining before Maritime added another. After an illegal body check, Alexandre Lucas fed the ball to Ted Powers and the game came to a close seconds later.

In a very physical game, Springfield picked up 42 groundballs to Maritime's 30, but committed nine penalties for a total of eight minutes in the sin bin, but the Bucs scored on only one of those opportunities. The turnovers were fairly equal, at 29-27 in the host's favour. Meanwhile, Springfield won 16-of-26 face-offs and out-shot the visitors 36-29.

Hurley led both teams with six points and four goals, sending all four of his attempts on goal into the net. Ten other players scored for the Pride and Connor Eschmann picked up five groundballs to lead the home side.

Jake Reynolds (7-5) played the first half and earned the win, saving 2-of-2 shots, while Cole Finerty finished things up for Springfield with 10-of-14 saves. Michael Dolan (5-4) had the loss after allowing 12-of-16 to score. Matthew Pierson stopped 3-of-10.

Avakian's two goals tied Powers f or the points lead, putting six of his eight shots on target. Avakian was the only Buc to put more than three shots on goal. Powers had scored in all eight games he has played in 2018 and 10 in-a-row overall. Robert Macarthy had five groundballs, while Michael Sharry and Brendan Kelly gathered in four grounders.

Men's lacrosse (5-4, 0-3) will return home for a makeup game against Plymouth State University on Patriots' Day at 4 p.m. Admission to Clean Harbors Stadium is free and all are welcome.

Make sure to bookmark www.mmabucs.com and get the inside scoop on Facebook and Twitter @mmabuccaneers. Plus, check out our new Instagram @massmaritimebuccaneers.

Gabriel Fidler, Sports Information Associate