#19 Shoremen Sway Past Swat
CHESTERTOWN, Md. -- The Garnet men's lacrosse team rose to its most recent challenge, using another strong defensive effort to remain close to one of the top offensive teams in the Centennial Conference, falling 7-5 at #19 Washington College Wednesday evening at Roy Kirby, Jr. Stadium.
The Shoremen improve to 4-2 in the Conference (9-3) overall to break a tie with Swarthmore (3-3 CC, 4-5 overall) in third place. The Garnet fall into another tie, this one for fourth place, with Muhlenberg (3-3 CC, 3-6 overall).
Washington came into Wednesday’s contest leading the Conference in shots (41.36 per game) and second in goals (10.27), assists (6.64) and points (16.91). True to form, the hometown Shoremen with poured on the offensive early, opening up a 6-2 lead after one half of play.
The Shoremen out-shot the Garnet 23-10 and held a 18-5 advantage in ground balls through the first 30 minutes. Swarthmore goalie Kevin Frienenberg ’10 (Needham, Mass. / Needham), the Conference leader save percentage, valiantly attempted to keep up, posting 10 saves in the first half alone.
Swarthmore rallied in the second half, getting an unassisted goal by junior attacker Tyler Bradshaw (Marietta, Ga. / Lassiter) with 3:46 left in the third period.
The Shoremen tacked on another goal at the end of the period to hold a 7-3 lead. Swarthmore kept attacking, converting an extra-man opportunity at 9:18. Senior attacker Stelios Wilson (Moorestown, N.J. / Moorestown) fed junior Anthony Phalen (Needham, Mass. / Needham) who scored his third goal of the season. Phalen was on the assisting end of another Swarthmore goal five minutes later, setting up classmate Gavin Musynske (Floral Park, N.Y. / Floral Park Memorial) at 4:26.
Musynske, the reigning CC Offensive Player of the Week, and Bradshaw both accounted for two goals on the afternoon while Phalen counted two points (goal, assist) to his credit.
Friedenberg registered 15 saves on the evening, further cementing his status as one of the best goalies in the region. He entered the week ranked sixth in all of Division III in two categories (goals-against average and save percentage).
Swarthmore takes a break from Centennial play over the next wee, hosting the R.P.I. Engineers on Saturday, April 11 at 1:00 p.m. and then welcome Hamilton to Clothier Field on Wednesday, April 15 at 4:00 p.m.