UNION, N.J. (March 30, 2022) -- The University of Scranton men's lacrosse team used a balanced attack to defeat Kean University 13-12 in a thrilling non-conference matchup on Wednesday evening in Union, NJ.

With the win, the Royals advance to 4-4 on the season as the young squad continues to prove itself against tough opponents.

The Cougars came out strong and took a 2-0 lead in the first five minutes of action. Not long after, junior Chris Crapanzano (Basking Ridge, N.J. / Ridge) answered for Scranton to cut the Kean lead to 2-1. Following another goal from the Cougars, the Royals scored three unanswered, including two from sophomore Matthew McAree (Manhasset, N.Y. / Manhasset) to give Scranton its first lead of the game. Kean capped off the hectic first quarter with another goal to level the game at 4-4 headed into the second period. 

Both sides exchanged goals to begin the second as junior Mitchell Kozak (Floral Park, N.Y. / Floral Park Memorial) found the back of the net for Scranton to tie the game at 5-5 early in the second quarter. Crapanzano, Junior Matt Solleder (Ramsey, N.J. / Don Bosco Prep), and senior Finn Duigan (Wantagh, N.Y. / Wantagh) all scored for the Royals in the second period as Scranton led 8-7 headed into the halftime break. 

Senior Mike Bouhall (Lynbrook, N.Y. / Lynbrook) took matters into his own hands in the third period, scoring all three goals for Scranton as they outscored the Cougars 3-2 in the quarter. The Royals held an 11-9 lead headed into the fourth.

Kozak and Solleder each added tallies in the early stages of the fourth quarter, giving Scranton a four goal cushion with just over six minutes to play in regulation. Kean tried to stage a late comeback, but it was too late as the Royals held on to win 13-12. 

Freshman Evan Rosa (Weehawken, N.J. / Pennington School) was stellar in goal for Scranton, posting a career-high 20 saves in the win. Bouhall led the way on offense with six points on three goals and three assists while Kozak added three points on two goals and one assist. Junior Ryan Turck (Floral Park, N.Y. / Floral Park Memorial) led Scranton on the defensive end with four ground balls and two caused turnovers. 

The Royals return to action this weekend when they host Landmark Conference rival Catholic at 2:00 PM at Weiss Field.

--ROYALS--