By Kyle Kern, Staff Writer
The Susquehanna men’s lacrosse team (4-5) won two games over spring break including a win over Alvernia on St. Patrick’s Day.
The team’s first game was against Lebanon Valley on March 6, where the River Hawks snapped their two-game skid with a 9–6 win.
Senior attacker Jack Donnelly and sophomore attacker Colton Dick combined for four goals and four assists in the home win.
In the non-conference contest, Donnelly scored all three of his goals within the first 15 minutes, with six different River Hawks scoring on the day.
For the next three match-ups the Susquehanna lacrosse team lost despite solid performances.
The River Hawks faced No. 6 York College (6-0), their second nationally ranked opponent this season, on March 9.
The result was a 12–4 loss for Susquehanna. Senior goalie Dylan Abplanalp made five stops with one ground ball and one caused turnover in the first half.
The River Hawks traveled to Virginia Wesleyan (5-1) for another non-conference match-up on March 13. Susquehanna was down 12-9 when the River Hawks scored three goals in the final 2:18 to move the contest into overtime.
However, Virginia Wesleyan mid-fielder Dante Castillo scored the tie-breaking goal 15 seconds into overtime.
Another non-conference contest between the River Hawks and Mary Washington (5-4) resulted in another loss for Susquehanna. The River Hawks held a five point lead in the third quarter with 12:46 remaining. Mary Washington out-scored Susquehanna 7–1 in the fourth quarter to win.
Abplanalp had a career day in the loss by picking up 22 saves and two ground balls.
The River Hawks picked up their second win over the break soon after in a 20–10 victory over non-conference opponent, Alvernia (3-3).
Susquehanna had six players score multiple times and ten different scorers on the day.
Dick finished the afternoon with season-bests of four goals and seven points.
Senior midfielder Jake Smolokoff had three goals and one ground ball.
Junior attacker Michael Hatala and freshmen attacker Jack McLaughlin had their season best of a four-point performance each.
The River Hawks begin the Landmark Conference Opener against Scranton on March 23. The Royals are currently 3-4 on the season.
