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Men's Lacrosse Earns First Program Win Over AIC, 16-3

Men's Lacrosse Earns First Program Win Over AIC, 16-3

Game Leaders

American International
G: Jack McIntyre - 2
A: Sam Scarfo - 2
Sv: Matt Sayegh - 13
GB: Will Lewis - 7
St. Thomas Aquinas
G: Tyler Senatore - 5
A: Briele Caples - 4
Sv: Ryan Mello - 6
GB: Kieran Lee - 7

Team Stats

St. Thomas Aquinas
American International

Shots

38
16

Ground Balls

28
28

Saves

6
13

Clears

14-18
12-19

Turnovers

10
15

Face Offs Won

10
12

Man Up

0-3
0-3
full stats
Posted: Feb 25, 2017

The St. Thomas Aquinas men's lacrosse team claimed their first program victory as they topped AIC 16-3 in their season opener for the historic win.

February 25th 2017 will be a day to remember for the Spartan men's lacrosse team.  American International College set the stage for what would be the first victory of the STAC program.  After an inaugural season, which posted a 0-12 record, the Spartans knew 2017 would be different.

With a lot of hard work and dedication in the offseason, the Spartans found a formula for success after its opening day win.  With stingy defense and the ability to score in multiple ways, STAC was able to win convincingly against the AIC Yellow Jackets.  Defensively, the Spartans were led by sophomore netminder Ryan Mello, making 6 saves in the contest.  The Yellow Jacket attack had little success due to the trifecta of Mark Paul( 1 Goal), John La Bella and Robert Cologero. 

The Spartans took control of the game right from the start scoring the first four goals.  Briele Caples scored the opening goal and assisted on two others in the four goal stretch.  Jack McIntyre scored two goals for the Yellow Jackets making the score 4-2 at the end of the first quarter.  Sam Scarfo had the assists on both goals for the host and scored the third and final goal for AIC in the second quarter. 

The second half belonged to the Spartans as well as they had 18 shots to the hosts 3.  After three first half goals for the hosts, the Spartan defense did not leave any room for scoring in the 2nd half.  In addition to a ruckus close defensive unit, the defensive midfield made stops in transition and created many scoring opportunities for the Spartan offense.  Rob Hornberger and Steven Odam have emerged as daunting LSM's for the Spartan defensive unit.  The midfield caused turnovers and created transition in between the lines. Edward Kelly, Nyle Worrell and Michael McNally were also integral on ground balls and were regulars in the clearing game; 14-18 on the day. 

Offensively, the Spartans saw six different players enter the scoring column.  Eleven of their sixteen goals were assisted; showing their tenacity to find the net.  Freshman Tyler Senatore (5 Goals) was exceptional in his first collegiate game, playing with poise and letting the game come to him.  Transfer Briele Caples (3 Goals, 4 Assists) has added a spark to the Spartan offense, creating scoring opportunities off the dodge and had the vision to find his teammates. Brenton Mighty (4 Goals, 2 Assists) was a huge addition to the Spartan offense this season, coming off an abrupt end due to injury during his 2016 campaign.  Adding reinforcement to STAC's offense was Thomas Hollway (1 Goal), Kevin Alvora (1 Goal, 2 Assists), and Paul Rhodes (1 Goal, 1 Assist).  With multiple weapons on offense, the Spartans are poised for future success.
 

STAC will return to action on this Thursday when they host St. Rose for their home opener.  Game time is slated for 3:00 p.m.