The Hofstra Pride men’s lacrosse team defeated the St. John’s University Red Storm 16-12 at DaSilva Memorial Field in Queens, New York, on Saturday, Feb. 25. Hofstra has now won its last two games after losing its first three to start the regular season. 

The Pride took charge of the game in the third period when they put up six unanswered goals. Within that span, Griffin Turner scored one goal and provided two assists to contribute to the surge. 

St. John’s had a six-goal stretch of their own in the final nine minutes of the game, but the rally ultimately fell short. Rory Jones finished as the day’s top scorer, leading the Pride with three goals.

Hofstra got to scoring right away as John Madsen put his side on the board in the first minute of the opening period with a strike to the top left corner of the net. The Pride’s lead was then extended with what was perhaps the goal of the day when Tom Ford found the back of the net from the midfield logo with his first of two goals. 

Hofstra’s ability to execute was evident as they outnumbered St. John’s in total shots 49-44, while 30 of their shots were on goal. The Pride made it a tough day for St. John’s goalkeeper Kyle Munson, despite the fact that he made 14 saves.

St. John’s best efforts came from the attacking duo of Brian Kelly and Connor Kalmus, who each scored four goals, with Kelly also providing four assists.

While the Pride held firm for most of the game, they threatened their own chances with 18 turnovers. In the end, goalkeeper Mac Gates faced the greatest number of shots he’s faced in a single game thus far in the beginning of the season. He finished with nine saves.

Up next, the Pride will play in their home opener against the Villanova University Wildcats on Saturday, March 4, at James M. Shuart Stadium, where the team won four of six games last season. Faceoff is set for 4 p.m. Live stats will be available on gohofstra.com.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics