Box score
Photo gallery (by Dan Ceccacci)
Senior midfielder Alec Mikrut (Belle Mead, N.J./Montgomery) delivered the perfect shot at the perfect moment, scoring with 1:04 remaining in overtime to lift The University of Scranton men's lacrosse team past crosstown rival Marywood, 8-7, on Wednesday evening at Fitzpatrick Field.
The Royals (6-1) won their sixth straight despite seeing a two-goal lead evaporate in the fourth period. But senior goalkeeper Nicholas McKaba (Long Valley, N.J./West Morris) came up with a clutch save at the end of regulation, the last of his eight saves in the game, and the defense forced a key turnover in overtime to set up Mikrut's game-winner.
Neither team led by more than two the entire night, including Scranton's 4-2 lead at halftime and a 7-5 lead with 10 minutes left in regulation. But Marywood (0-6) scored twice in the final 7:08 of the fourth period to force overtime, but the Pacers ultimately suffered their fourth straight one-goal defeat.
Six different players scored for Scranton, led by two goals from senior midfielder Brad Elkin (West Chester, Pa./Malvern Prep), who also assisted on Mikrut's game-winning goal. Mikrut finished with a goal and two assists, and senior midfielder Nicholas Swift (Lafayette Hill, Pa./Plymouth-Whitemarsh) had a goal and an assist.
Senior attackman Andrew Marone (Morristown, N.J./Seton Hall Prep), senior midfielder Josh Kasman (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan), junior midfielder John Sheridan (Ridgewood, N.J./Ridgewood) and sophomore attackman Patrick O'Rourke (Floral Park, N.Y./Chaminade) each added a goal.
Scranton overcame 23 turnovers by completing 13 of 18 clear attempts while holding Marywood to 16-for-24 on clear attempts. Sophomore midfielder Adam Drury (Chatham, N.J./Chatham) was dominant in the faceoff circle, winning 14 of 17.
Drury and sophomore defender Kieran Pues (Long Beach, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) tied for the team lead with four ground balls each, and sophomore midfielder Jack Kiess (Mahwah, N.J./Mahwah) had a team-high three caused turnovers.
Scranton will open Landmark Conference play on Saturday, March 19, when the Royals travel to Madison, N.J. to take on Drew at 1 p.m.
--ROYALS--
