The Hofstra University men’s lacrosse team couldn’t pull out a win against No. 15 Rutgers University Scarlet Knights on Saturday, March 2. Goaltending was the name of the game on both sides as the Pride dropped the game 13-8, matching their season low in goals for a single game.

Sean Henderson made his mark in the game with 12 saves in the loss. Rutgers goaltender Cardin Stoller stopped 11 of 19 Hofstra shots, posting a 58% save percentage. Hofstra also lost the turnover battle 18-11, giving Rutgers more quality opportunities.

The Scarlet Knights controlled most of the play in the opening minutes. Dante Kulas scored the first goal for Rutgers just over a minute into the game. John Sidorski extended the Scarlet Knights’ lead to two before Hofstra could even get a shot on net. The Pride fought back in the first quarter, winning five of the next seven face-offs.

In the next face-off, Vincent McDermott scored his first of the quarter when he reigned in a ground ball in front of the Rutgers net. Rutgers later added two more thanks to Shane Knobloch and Ross Scott, but Hofstra countered with McDermott making a second and another from Justin Sykes.

Rutgers started a five-goal scoring run that lasted most of the second quarter. On the other end, Stoller’s presence was noticeable as he stopped four of five Hofstra shots. The lone Hofstra goal came from Rory Jones with one minute left in the half. Stoller frustrated Hofstra shooters in the first half, racking up nine of his 11 saves. The Scarlet Knights took a six-goal lead into the locker room.

Colin Kurdyla and Kulas brought the Pride to two down early in the second half. Hofstra punched back after Kurdyla’s goal with a goal from Colton Rudd to get the run started and two quick goals from Sam Lutfi just 12 seconds apart. Stoller was no longer a brick wall to Hofstra shooters, making just two saves in the second half. John Madsen scored goal number 20 on the season to cap off an impressive 4-1 scoring run in the second half.

Henderson made four saves to hold Rutgers to one goal within the last 25 minutes of play. The Pride battled back the best they could, but their efforts fell short against their toughest competition yet.

In the loss, Griffin Turner extended his point streak to 20 games with an assist on Jones’ goal. John Madsen passed 20 goals in a season for the first time in his collegiate career.

The schedule does not get easier for the Pride. Hofstra plays No. 20 University of North Carolina on Saturday, March 9, in the James M. Shuart Stadium at 1 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Vincent Carchietta