On a dark and stormy day in Newark, Delaware, the Hofstra University men’s lacrosse team wasted a strong first-half effort, dropping their game to the University of Delaware 13-10. With the loss on Saturday, March 23, Hofstra is 0-2 in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play. This result extends the Pride’s losing streak to five games, the longest of head coach Seth Tierney’s Hofstra career.

Mike Robinson and JP Ward stood out for the Fightin’ Blue Hens, with both players tallying six points in the comeback victory.

Hofstra set the tone early with a goal from Sam Lutfi to break the stalemate. Justin Sykes scored under a minute later to give the Pride a two-goal lead. Hofstra built their impressive first quarter after capitalizing on six Delaware turnovers and controlling most of the flow of play. Lutfi and Ryan Woodland capped off the Pride’s four-goal first quarter.

Momentum stayed with the Pride, who continued a 4-0 scoring run on the backs of Trevor Natalie and John Madsen before the Blue Hens stopped the Pride’s scoring run with one of their own. After bringing the game back to within four, Delaware head coach Ben DeLuca called a timeout with under five minutes to play in the second half.

After the timeout, Delaware outworked the Pride in every facet during the last five minutes of play. The Blue Hens did not turn the ball over once in the second quarter and out possessed the Pride greatly. Ultimately, Delaware’s efforts proved potent, punching the Pride back, scoring three unanswered of their own to end the half. Robinson led the comeback from Delaware, netting a first-half hat trick. Hofstra now had a measly one-goal lead with 30 minutes left to play.

Vincent McDermott scored the first goal of the half for the Pride, but after that, Delaware had their way. Delaware won the first three face-offs and continued to push Hofstra back on their heels, eventually outscoring the Pride 5-2 in the third quarter to build a commanding three-goal lead.

Hofstra’s efforts fell flat in the second half as Hofstra outshot Delaware 41-29 but only recorded 21 shots on goal. Delaware goalie Kevin Ellington recorded nine second-half saves juxtaposed to Sean Henderson’s seven all game. With strong goaltending on one end and an offense that could score at will, the Blue Hens bested the Pride 13-10.

Hofstra’s losing streak reaches five games as the Pride sit second from the bottom of the CAA standings. Hofstra, who is seeking their first win since Feb. 17, returns home next Saturday, March 30, to play the Monmouth University Hawks who are 1-1 in conference play. The face-off from Shuart Stadium begins at noon.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Lee S. Weissman