The Hofstra Pride mens lacrosse squad rode a red-hot second half to a 12-8 win over the Providence University Friars on Saturday afternoon to stretch Hofstras winning streak to four games.
The Pride came into the third quarter in a close battle with Providence, trailing 6-5. But Hofstra outscored the Friars in the second half 7-2 thanks to big performances from Jimmy Yanes and Dylan McIntosh. The two accounted for all but two of the teams second-half goals in a game where leading scorer Ryan Tierney was bottled up by the Providence defense.
Yanes finished with six points a career-high for the junior on three goals while the freshman McIntosh ended with a career-high four scores his second hat trick of the young season. The two have been key to Hofstras current winning stretch as theyve seemingly filled the scoring gap left by Josh Byrne, last years Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year.
In a game that was pretty tight by most statistical measures, Hofstra had the edge thanks to a strong defense, which forced 18 of Providences 33 shots to go off target. Last year the Friars were one of three squads to score in double digits against the Pride, so this game was a good test for a defense, which has already held offensive juggernauts such as the University of North Carolina and Villanova University at bay.
Hofstra also continued to see success at the face-off circle, where the Pride have now had the statistical edge in every game during the Prides current winning streak.
With the victory, Hofstra has now won four straight. The Pride defense continues to shine as the squad has yet to allow double-digit goals in a contest this season.
Hofstras last non-conference home game is coming up on Tuesday evening when the Pride take on Lehigh University. Opening face-off is set for 7 p.m. as Hofstra seeks its fifth straight win.