Tommy Heller, the 2023 graduate of UAlbany, made 16 saves to lead the Monmouth University Men’s Lacrosse team to a 14-10 win on the home field over LIU in the season opener on Saturday, Feb. 17. As a result, Monmouth officially moves to 2-0 all-time against LIU.
Heller had a whopping 16 saves, which is tied for the fifth most in a single-game history at Monmouth and is the most saves in a game by a Hawk since the 2022 season. In the opening period, five different Hawks players scored, leading to a 5-2 Hawks advantage.
At halftime, Monmouth led 8-5 after both teams scored three goals. With the defense on lockdown, Monmouth prevented LIU from scoring in the third period. Connor Macrae’s two goals in the period extended Monmouth’s lead to 12-5. Heller made four saves in the period. LIU put up a tough fight and made a goal with only 71 seconds remaining in the first quarter that pulled the Sharks within one point, 3-2.
Monmouth responded with two goals before the quarter ended, and they never let up the remainder of the game. Freshman Brendan Dundas scored a hat trick in his college debut match. The Hawks won 18 of 28 faceoffs to earn the edge in time of possession, concluding one more Macrae goal in the fourth that helped the Hawks shut out a win by 4 points.
According to the Monmouth Athletics Website, Head Coach Brain Fisher said in a statement, “We have to acknowledge LIU and give some credit to them as they played hard throughout the game and never went away in the second half. To that end the staff and I are really proud of our guys because every time they began to create some momentum we responded with some good lacrosse and made plays to give us some breathing room. There is always some uncertainty heading into the first game of the season so to see so many new Hawks take the field for the first time this afternoon and pick up a win on opening day on our new turf feels great.”
With each game, Monmouth Men’s Lacrosse continues to build upon its legacy, striving for greatness while representing their University with pride and honor. As they pursue victory on the field, they also serve as role models for future generations of athletes, demonstrating that success is attainable through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
Monmouth then traveled to Princeton on Sunday, Feb. 18, and returned home with an unfortunate loss of 5-15. However, they keep their focus ahead as they prepare to face NJIT on Wednesday, Feb. 21, in Newark, New Jersey.
