Falcons Overpower Benedictine for Sixth Conference Victory

MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia Wisconsin men's lacrosse team pushed its conference winning streak to five games on Wednesday evening against the Benedictine Eagles, clinching the program's seventh 11-win season. The 19-14 effort was spearheaded by a nine-point performance by junior Max Esposito (Gaithersburg, Md.), who tallied five goals and four assists. The outburst marked a program record for career points, pushing Esposito to first on the all-time list with 266 total.

Concordia kicked off the opening quarter in dominant fashion, scoring seven goals to Benedictine's one. Junior Gio Nowotarski (Reading, Pa.) and freshman Tyler Husby (Eagan, Minn.) were the lone Falcons to record multiple goals in the period, as the squad saw five goal-scorers in the frame. Junior Michael Lange (Brookfield, Wis.) recorded his second score of the season just 13 seconds after the Eagles evened the game at one, while Esposito represented tallies four and five, respectively.

The Falcons grew their lead to 10 goals in the second quarter, recording the period's opening four goals. Nowotarski notched the opening goal, while Esposito went on to enter his name on the scoresheet twice more. Junior Griffin Bahr (Grand Rapids, Minn.) collected his first goal of the game before Benedictine broke the scoring run, but Husby joined the three-goal club just 21 seconds later.

Concordia likewise dominated the third quarter of the game, building its advantage to ten goals. Esposito and Nowotarski each found the back of the net once more, while senior Caleb Ruger (Grafton, Wis.) picked up his first score of the game. Fresh off of setting the program's single-season scoring record, senior Parker Beaudry (Sherwood Park, Alta.)  tallied a pair of goals of his own as part of a collective effort that gave the Falcons a 17-7 advantage.

Benedictine attempted a comeback late in the outing, earning seven goals back in the fourth quarter. However, Concordia did not relinquish its lead, in part due to goals by Esposito and senior Isaac Ober (Huntley, Ill.).

Freshman goaltender Travis Marquardt (Brookfield, Wis.) recorded 11 saves in the outing.

Concordia will wrap up the regular season in its next contest against the 8-6 Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks on April 27. The winner of Saturday's contest will host the loser in the NACC Tournament Semifinals. Aurora will host Benedictine in the other semifinal.