Men’s Lacrosse drops home opener to Wittenberg
Box Score: WU 11, CUW 6
MEQUON, Wis. - Concordia University Wisconsin made a late charge on a cold and blustery Saturday afternoon at Fitting Field, but Wittenberg University held on to earn an 11-6 men's lacrosse non-conference victory.
WU built a comfortable 10-3 lead midway through the fourth quarter before CUW's Kyle Burrell jump-started the Falcon offense. The sophomore midfielder assisted on freshman Derek Brueske's tally before scoring consecutive goals of his own to get CUW within four (10-6) with 3:55 to play.
The Tigers added another score with less than three minutes to play and stalled on their final offensive possessions to secure the win.
Burrell (Calgary, Alberta) led the Falcons with two goals after taking six shots on goal. Freshman Justin Krause (Hartland, Wis.) added a goal and assist, while Brueske (Hopkins, Minn.) also recorded an assist. Sophomore Danny Dahms (Calgary, Alberta) and sophomore Peter Morton (Albany, Ga.) also finished with a goal.
WU had a balanced scoring attack with eight players finding the back of the net. Jim Ferris, George Gion and Tyler Hall each scored twice. The Tigers scored 10 of their 11 goals unassisted.
The box score was nearly identical, but WU (2-0) held a decisive advantage in faceoffs. The Tigers won 18-of-21 faceoffs, controlling the game's first 15. WU's Elliot Avis won 17-of-20 faceoff attempts.
Sophomore Zack Davis (La Porte, Ind.) recorded four saves, but allowed eight goals. He was relieved in favor of Emmet O'Malley (Elk Grove Village, Ill.) in the third quarter, and the freshman proceeded to record two saves, but also allowed a goal in each period played.
CUW (0-2) controlled the second and fourth quarters statistically with a combined 22-11 shot differential against WU. The Tigers finished with a one shot advantage overall, 33-32, in the win.
CUW returns to play next Saturday, Mar. 11 at 12 p.m. (CST) at Adrian College. The game will be the Midwest Lacrosse Conference opener for the Falcons.
NOTE: The Athletic Department would like to thank all involved in getting the field ready for play after nearly seven inches of snow fell throughout Friday evening.
