The men’s lacrosse team started their 2020 season with an 11-8 win against the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Highlanders at Kessler Stadium on Saturday.
Monmouth got out to a quick 3-0 lead in the opening 15 minutes. The lead was 5-2 at halftime, before the Hawks scored four more goals in the third quarter to extend their lead to 9-3 going into the last quarter.
Monmouth continued to score in the fourth, with two more goals. NJIT added the final goals of the game, which resulted in the final score of 11-8.
The Hawks had a balanced attack with four different players finding the net. Redshirt sophomore Cade Stratton, junior Brock Anderson, sophomore Mike McIntyre, and junior David Cormack each scored two goals.
Junior captain Chris Hervada was pleased to see multiple Hawks contribute. “We don’t like to play selfish lacrosse,” said Hervada. “So it is really important to have different guys step up when their number is called.”
Junior goalkeeper Noah Lode recorded 12 saves on the afternoon, which allowed the Hawks to maintain a sizable lead through the game.
“We played hot-and-cold throughout today’s game, but Noah Lode stepped up big and bailed us out a number of times,” said Hervada. “He was tremendous in goal for us. It is always great to defend our home turf and pick up our first win at Kessler Stadium in 2020.”
Head Coach Brian Fisher was pleased with his team’s opening win of the season, especially against a familiar opponent.
“It was really good to see our guys persevere through some tough times and get a win,” said Fisher. “NJIT Coach Travis Johnson is a good friend of mine and a really good coach and they put pressure on us in some different areas of the game.”
Wearing their blue chrome helmets with white jerseys and shorts, the Hawks moved to an impressive 5-1 all-time record against NJIT. They are also undefeated at home, with a 3-0 record against the Highlanders.
Monmouth’s success at Kessler Stadium dates back to last season. They’ve now won three straight home games and four consecutive games at Kessler.
“You never know what you’re going to get in the first game of a season,” said Fisher. “We had to make some adjustments and I’m really happy for our guys to earn a victory on opening day at home.”
On the defensive side, senior Dillon Smart picked up a career-high eight ground balls. He also tied a career-best with three caused turnovers and recorded his first-career assist in the win. Smart set up Eamon Campbell’s eventual game-winning goal. This performance was enough to earn him MAAC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Sophomore Scooter Whiteside added five ground balls and forced two turnovers, both career highs. Freshman Matt Soutar collected six ground balls and was 5-for-11 in faceoffs.
Senior Anthony Sardo scored his 25th career goal. Sophmore Ethan Masucci and 5th year Eamon Campbell notched a goal apiece.
Monmouth seeks their second win when they hit the road this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. to face off against the Princeton Tigers.
PHOTO TAKEN by Karlee Sell
