Shea Kennedy’s 18 saves were not enough for the Hofstra University men’s lacrosse team to hold off Holy Cross University and stop the Pride’s falling to 9-8 in double overtime.
The Pride led 8-6 at the start of the fourth quarter but they could not close out the game. Ryan Botek netted the double-overtime sudden-victory goal for the Crusaders to beat Hofstra in the two programs’ first-ever meeting.
Jude Lynch topped the scoresheet with three goals for the Crusaders. Joey DeYoung and Anthony Mollica each recorded multiple goals for Hofstra.
In goal, Kennedy and Holy Cross’s JR Long made 18 and 13 saves, respectively.
The Pride fell behind early, allowing Holy Cross to score in the first five minutes. The Crusaders continued to pummel Hofstra, scoring on all three of their first shots.
Long held the Pride off the board, allowing just one goal in the first quarter. The defenses remained strong in the second quarter, with DeYoung being the lone player on either side to record a tally in the frame.
At halftime, Hofstra and Holy Cross were tied 3-3. Hofstra’s offense came alive in the third quarter, with its top players returning to form. Trevor Natalie, Drew Bogardus and Trey Parkes all found the net as the Pride built a two-goal lead with 15 minutes left to play.
Hofstra could not close out the game in the fourth quarter, though. Holy Cross scored early, then capitalized on a 30-second man-advantage opportunity following a penalty on Austin Clarke to tie the game. The Crusaders are 3-for-3 on the man advantage this season.
Hofstra was outshot 10-4 in the fourth quarter. The Pride turned the ball over twice as often as Holy Cross, and their shots lacked accuracy. They were not the same team they were in the third quarter.
The Pride struggled in several areas. Hofstra won just seven of 22 faceoffs against Holy Cross, which entered the game having won just 37% of faceoffs in its season opener. Those wins consistently allowed the Crusaders to begin with possession.
Defensively, the Pride was strong for much of the game, forcing seven turnovers and collecting 22 ground balls. However, there were moments when Holy Cross’ ball movement left Hofstra out of position, creating open cutting opportunities in front of the cage. Those lapses put Kennedy in difficult situations that Holy Cross capitalized on.
Hofstra’s typical top scorers had trouble getting hands-free shots. Holy Cross’s defense made Natalie and Bogardus work to get the ball to the net. Anytime they dodged a player at the top of the offensive third, a defender would switch onto them. As a result, Hofstra only had 32 shot attempts.
Hofstra will look to rebound in its next game on Saturday, Feb. 14. They will play in Loudonville against Siena College. The game starts at noon.
