The Hofstra Pride men’s lacrosse team ended their five-game losing streak in a thrilling fashion against the Monmouth University Hawks on Saturday, March 30. Sam Lutfi scored two goals, including the overtime winner. Hofstra is now tied with Monmouth, Drexel University and Stony Brook University with a 1-2 record in conference play.
Rory Jones snapped his two-game pointless streak with two goals and an assist. Hofstra goalie Sean Henderson had his best game of the season so far, recording 10 saves, including the 100th of his collegiate career. Monmouth goaltender Tommy Heller stopped 18 Hofstra shots in the loss.
Within the first minute of play, Brandon Rispoli was called for a 30-second penalty, directly converting to a Hofstra goal. Rory Jones finished on a pass from Griffin Turner to give Hofstra the early advantage until Monmouth answered moments later.
The Pride and the Hawks traded goals to tie the game up after 15 minutes. Connor Macrae launched his first of four goals past Henderson in the final minute of the first quarter.
Goals came at a premium in the first half, as Hofstra and Monmouth were only able to combine for seven goals. Hawks midfielder Sean Ketchen was denied by Blake Cooling on a leaping behind-the-back shot to keep Hofstra up late in the second half.
Hofstra’s defense stood tall in front of Henderson and boxed out Monmouth shooters to only allow three goals in the first half.
“I thought we defended better today,” said Hofstra head coach Seth Tierney. “[Cooling and Will Delaney] are guys who don’t want to let me down. They have improved in every opportunity given to them.”
Late in the half, Cooling forced a turnover which allowed Hofstra to cut a Monmouth possession short. On the fast transition, short-stick defensive midfielder Matt Villas joined the attack and scored the first goal of his career to give the Pride a 4-3 lead at halftime. Hofstra defenders created numerous opportunities like this throughout the game.
“The defense has worked a lot on their riding as the season’s gone on,” Tierney said. “When we ride and cause a turnover, it’s a two-possession swing: we take one from them and create one for ourselves.”
Hofstra took a commanding three-goal lead in the third quarter on goals by Justin Sykes, Jones and Lutfi. Macrae ended the Pride’s three-goal scoring run with one of his own in the final two minutes of the frame.
Macrea’s goal shifted the momentum and the score knotted at seven. Hofstra entered their first overtime game since March 26, 2022, against Providence College.
Monmouth won the opening face-off, but JT Roselle forced a turnover shortly after. Heller stopped Lutfi once, then Monmouth failed to get the ball across midfield resulting in a turnover. Before the next possession, Tierney took a timeout which resulted in drawing the Hawks defenders away and allowing Lutfi to score. Lutfi’s goal gave the Pride their first overtime win since April 6, 2019, over the University of Massachusetts.
Hofstra now has new life in the Coastal Athletic Conference tournament race. The Pride play next Saturday, April 6, at Towson University. Face-off is set for noon.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Jon Reiss
