Photos By Nick Williams, Photography Editor
By Darin Martin
The men’s lacrosse team fell short in a nail-biter on Saturday at Sassafras Field, losing 11-10 to Moravian in Landmark Conference play. It is the second time this season that the team has lost by a single goal.
Moravian jumped out to an early lead with a goal only 36 seconds in before senior Chris Ciccarello equalized four minutes later. Both teams had chances to take the lead, but it was Moravian (6-2 overall, 2-0 Landmark) that ended the first quarter with three quick-fire goals to extend its advantage to 4-1.
The River Hawks (8-3, 1-2) were not fazed, as three second-quarter goals got them back in the contest before halftime. Senior Brennan Lorence started the comeback, beating his defender with a spin move before scoring from close range. Sophomore Pat McDermott and senior Steven Musser also netted in the period.
Another three-goal run by Moravian in the third was answered by Susquehanna to bring the score to 7-7 before a goal with eight seconds remaining in the quarter restored Moravian’s lead going into the fourth. Two quick goals to begin the fourth, scored by Ciccarello and junior Nick Remund, gave the River Hawks their first lead of the game with a little over ten minutes left.
Senior Jack Gaillard added to his single season assist record in the matchup, assisting Ciccarello on the equalizer to bring his total to 41, extending his previous record of 39 set in 2024.
“Jack Gaillard has had an outstanding season this year,” SU coach Stewart Moan said. “I think he is playing the best lacrosse he has played throughout his career. It is great to see Jack, as well as other seniors on the team, play their best in their final collegiate season.”
The game continued to swing back and forth as two quick goals by Moravian restored its lead before Ciccarello completed his hat trick with 7:43 to play, bringing the score level at 10-10.
Susquehanna had an opportunity to net the winner with under 90 seconds left but were unlucky as a shot from Ciccarello hit the post. Susquehanna were able to recover the loose ball, however a late turnover gave the Greyhounds an opportunity to net a winner, which they capitalized on, scoring with eight seconds remaining to hand the River Hawks a heartbreaking loss.
Turnovers plagued both teams all day, with Moravian finishing with 14 and Susquehanna with 18. Moan appreciated his team’s ability to fight back but lamented the unforced errors.
“Yes, I appreciated our team not quitting when down by a few goals and fighting back to tie the game,” he said. “Unfortunately, we had too many turnovers throughout the game, and we are certainly working to minimize those.”
“As I just stated, we need to lessen some of the unforced turnovers, and hopefully, we can finish more of the shots that our offense is creating,” he continued. “We are working on these things every day at practice.”
Despite the result, Moan found positives: “I am pleased with the commitment our team has made to be competitive in every game, as was displayed in Saturday’s game. I am proud of how hard our guys play and the great effort they make throughout the game.”
Susquehanna will host Catholic at 5 p.m. Wednesday before heading to Lycoming at noon on Saturday. Early on, the team is tied for sixth in the Landmark Conference standings.
