Box Score
Box Score
TROY, N.Y. - Junior Jalen Holmes (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan) and sophomore Mike Bouhall (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook) each had hat tricks on the day, but it wasn't enough, as a second half rally by The University of Scranton men's lacrosse team was thwarted by host RPI on Sunday in a 17-16 defeat on the road in the Royals' 2020 season opener.
In the opening half of the contest, RPI (1-0) took control of what was a seesaw game late in the second quarter, scoring four out of five goals to take a 10-6 lead into intermission. When RPI started the scoring run, Scranton only trailed by a goal (6-5), as the Royals held an early 4-2 lead in the first period.
After a third quarter that saw RPI continue to keep Scranton at arms length and hold a 14-10 lead on the Royals entering the final period, RPI appeared to put the game out of reach for the Royals with a goal to begin the fourth period to make it a 15-10 game.
But, Scranton fought back, scoring four unanswered goals to slice the RPI lead down to 15-14 with 8:02 left after Bouhall tallied his second straight goal. After an RPI goal made it a 16-14 game, freshman Nicholas Donato (Langhorne, Pa./Neshaminy) scored with 5:20 left to cut the RPI lead back to a goal at 16-15.
RPI, however, fought off the rally over the next couple of minutes and scored their final goal of the game with 2:11 left to make it a 17-15 game. But, Scranton came right back with another goal, as Holmes scored with 1:01 to go to make it a one score game.
On the next faceoff, the Royals won, setting up a wild final sequence of action. After a timeout, senior Michael Elefonte (Kinnelon, N.J./Kinnelon) had not one, but two chances ot score in the final 30 seconds of regulation. But, it was not meant to be, as his first shot sailed wide and his second was saved by RPI goalie Brian Doughty to preserve the victory for the host Engineers.
Overall, Holmes and Bouhall were influential in Scranton almost coming back in the game, as each scored three goals, apiece, overall on the afternoon. Holmes had two ground balls in the game, while Bouhall had an assist and a ground ball, as well.
Elsewhere, Donato and junior Collin Purdy (Hillsborough, N.J./Hillsborough) had two goals, apiece, while Elefonte, sophomore Cole Lukasiewicz (Havertown, Pa./Haverford), senior Connor Kirkwood (Millburn, N.J./St. Peter's Prep), junior Daniel Mallay (South Hempstead, N.Y./South Side), senior Mike Modesti (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport), and senior Alexander Dadourian (Summit, N.J./Summit) all scored goals for Scranton. Kirkwood also registered a pair of assists in the game, as well.
Cleaning up in the ground ball category for the Royals was Purdy, who led the team with seven, while senior Kieran Fallon (Rockville Centre, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) had five. Fallon also had three caused turnovers on the day to lead Scranton. In net, junior Shayne Fallon (West Deptford, N.J./West Deptford) made a career-high 18 saves in his first start of the year.
The University of Scranton men's lacrosse team returns to action on Wednesday, traveling to Haverford for another road non-conference match-up. Action begins at 4 p.m.
--ROYALS--
