Scranton, P.A. - Senior Mike Bouhall (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook) scored the game-winner in overtime for The University of Scranton men's lacrosse team in a 16-15 win over Eastern University on Wednesday afternoon at Weiss Field. The Royals rallied from down three goals in the final four minutes of play to send the game into overtime and eventually take home the win.

With the win the Royals advance to 3-3 and the Eagles drop to 2-5 on the season.

Scranton got on the board first in the third minute of action when junior Nick Donato (Langhorne, P.A./Neshaminy) scored off a feed from fellow junior Mitchell Kozak (Floral Park, N.Y./Floral Park) to give the Royals an early 1-0 lead. Eastern responded with four unanswered goals to secure a 4-1 advantage. Kozak found the second goal of the game for Scranton off an assist from Bouhall late in the first quarter. 

After an early second quarter goal from the Eagles, Scranton went on a 4-0 run, including back-to-back goals from sophomore Matthew McAree (Manhasset, N.Y./Manhasset) to give his squad a 6-5 lead at the 7:35 mark in the second period. Eastern scored four of the next five goals to end the half with the Eagles holding a 9-7 lead.

The Royals dominated the third quarter scoring three goals and holding Eastern scoreless. A late tally from sophomore Alex Eglitis (Randolph, N.J./Randolph) gave Scranton a 10-9 lead in the final minute of the period.

After a back and forth start to begin the fourth quarter and the Royals holding a 12-10 lead, Eastern's Nate Portrey scored four consecutive goals to give the Eagles a 14-12 edge with 6:14 remaining in regulation. Following a fifth-straight Eastern goal, Scranton junior Chris Crapanzano (Basking Ridge, N.J./Ridge) scored an up-man goal to start the rally for the Royals. Crapanzano assisted on the next two goals for the Royals including the game-tying goal from senior Cole Lukasiewicz (Havertown, P.A./Haverford) with just twenty seconds on the clock. In the late stages of the fourth quarter, freshman Evan Rosa (Weehawken, N.J./The Pennington School) made a clutch save to send the game into overtime. 

With just over three minutes left in overtime, McAree caused a turnover that was scooped up by Crapanzano which eventually led to Bouhall's game-winner.

Scranton featured a well-balanced attack with five players scoring two or more goals. Crapanzano led the way with four goals and two assists for a game-high six points while recording nine ground balls and causing three turnovers. Rosa tied his season-high with 17 saves in the game.

Portrey had five goals to pace Eastern. 

The Royals will return to action this Saturday when they travel to Elizabethtown at 1:00 PM for their Landmark Conference opener. 

--ROYALS--