A second-half five-goal run was enough for the Drexel University Dragons to defeat the Hofstra men’s lacrosse team 12-8 at Vidas Field on Saturday, April 24.
Things hadn’t been easy for the Hofstra Pride heading into Saturday’s game as they looked to get back in the win column with the season winding down.
The Pride won the opening face-off to begin the contest. Despite James Mulcahy giving the Dragons a one-goal lead, James Philbin responded for the Pride with his 14th goal of the season. A little over a minute later, Sterlyn Ardrey found the back of the net for his third goal of the season giving Hofstra a one-point lead with 10:56 remaining in the first period.
Drexel responded with a three-goal run as Mulcahy found the back of the net once again along with Reid Bowering adding two to give Drexel a 4-2 lead heading into the second period.
The second period started as a defensive battle. The first goal of the period was scored when Ardrey brought the Pride back to within a goal with his second of the afternoon. The Dragons didn’t wait long to respond, though, as Sean Donnelly netted his first goal of the afternoon for the Dragons. Aidan Coll added Drexel’s sixth goal of the match with 29 seconds left, giving his team a 6-3 lead heading into halftime.
Justin Lynskey opened up the third period with urgency as he netted his first goal of the game in the opening minute. Minutes later, Ardrey added his third goal of the afternoon bringing the Pride back to within a goal.
Hofstra’s one-goal deficit stood for several minutes until Coll gave Drexel a two-goal lead once again with 5:46 remaining.
The Pride won the following faceoff and Ryan Sheridan scored his first goal of the day, bringing the Pride back to within a goal. The Dragons then went on a five-goal run that went into the final period.
James Philbin and Bryce Tolmie found the back of the net for the Pride, but it wasn’t enough as Drexel defeated Hofstra 12-8.
Bobby Casey took the loss for the Pride despite making 10 saves. Brian Herber went 11-20 in the faceoff circle while Chase Patterson went 2-2.
Sterlyn Ardrey led in the scoring column with three goals. Ryan Tierney and Justin Lynskey each added an assist.
The Pride looks to next Friday, April 30, when they will host Fairfield University for the final game of the regular season. Faceoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Evan Bernstein/Hofstra Athletics
