A competitive lacrosse game was played after the first quarter when Georgetown found their rhythm. Different from this, Loyola held a tight front from the beginning to the end.
Loyola started the first quarter strong – a feature that keeps them on top. Head coach Charley Toomey stated, “The guys played hard today. They came out of the locker room with tons of energy”.
Loyola had the first three goals – Pat Spencer, Jay Drapeau, Mike Perkins – until Georgetown converted their first goal with 3:16 left. This goal was huge for Georgetown player Daniel Bucardo who made his 100th career point off a wide left shot.
The Hounds responded with another goal by Spencer who battled past a defender to connect his shot on goal from a low angle. Spencer is a valuable asset to the Hounds for the fact that he is a quick offensive thinker. With his ability to see opportunities, he has contributed two or more points within his last 26 games. By the end of the game, Spencer assisted his team players five times.
Spencer’s last shot ended the first quarter with the Hounds leading 4-1. What contributed to Georgetown’s rough start was the lack of physical shots on goal. Loyola only had one save out of Georgetown’s total of eight attempted shots.
Georgetown was heavily effected by their seven turnovers. As the game progressed, they were aware of this disadvantage and changed their offensive scheme for the rest of the game, thus beginning a chance for redemption.
Georgetown started the second quarter proving that they were ready to start making accurate goals when Peter Conley scored while a man-up. This added to their 3-1 run over Loyola, inching the score to 5-4. Two of their goals occurred within 40 seconds of each other, both players were found wide open to finish with low, corner goals.
A timeout by Loyola was called where there was a goalie change – Grant Limone stepped in for Jacob Stover who made a total of seven saves.
When asked about the sudden goal change, Coach Toomey replied, “I don’t want any goalie thinking they’re on a short leash… we just have to win a home game”. Limone commented that “whenever I can get into a game I’m pleased.”
Georgetown’s last shot of the second quarter was at 7:20 with another low angled goal – a technique commonly used by their players.
Loyola stretched their lead by 2, scoring twice before the half. Ryan Fournier scored his first goal this season when he lingered by the side of the crease wide open. One-on-one with the goalie, he fired his shot to add the goal to his record. John Duffy procured his 10th goal of the season, but Spencer still holds the leader board for the most shots of 42, including points from this game.
The end of the first half kept Loyola on top with a 7-5 lead.
Coach Toomey praised, “First half we played really well… I was proud of our effort… we were playing solid defense and were organized behind the ball”.
Georgetown came back from the halftime break taking some notes from Loyola’s playbook. Shots were stronger and defense was key. From the start Georgetown went on another 3-1 run.
The single goal Loyola had during this third period emphasized the importance of Spencer’s outlook on the field. He was able to find a small window to feed Drapeau who ran along the crease for an opening at goal. The score was tied for the second time at 8-8.
Loyola responded with a 3-0 run of their own; two fgoals rom Drapeau and one from freshman Peter Swindell on his first possession of the game. Drapeau had a career high of three goals. Loyola took the lead again 10-9.
Drapeau after the gamer, went on to talk about his offensive play: “I try to box out my guy and find a position I can get a rebound…some are luck but others I have to get in the right position”.
Loyola and Georgetown exchanged goals within about 30 seconds of each other – both teams taking into consideration the minute left on the clock in the game.
In the end, Loyola’s consistent defense and steady offense won the game 11-10.
Georgetown’s head coach, Kevin Warne, noted, “There is no such thing as losing… it’s a lesson.”
Coach Toomey had high praise Georgetown goalkeeper, Nick Marrocco, for his performance on the field. “The goalie kept playing. He wasn’t going to allow it to be an easy day. I give him a lot of credit”.
