Tufts Men’s Lacrosse Too Much for Lasers

Newton, MA- Lasell College fell to Tufts University in men's lacrosse action today at Grellier Field, 22-8.  The Jumbos, who are ranked 23rd nationally according to USILA, and 19th by LAXnews, have won two straight games to open the 2009 season.  Lasell has lost in each of their non-conference contests so far, leaving them at the 0-2 mark.

The Jumbos scored three times over five minutes in the first period, pouring on the pressure from the get-go.  Mike Droesch (Setauket, NY) scored just eight seconds into the contest after winning the opening face-off and flying down field and firing in a fast initial goal unassisted.  Droesch then assisted on the Jumbos second score, tallied by Clem McNally (Far Hills, NJ) at 11:26. Doug DiSessa (Wynnewood, PA) marked Tufts third goal just under the ten minute mark. 

Lasell responded with their first goal at 5:32 when freshman midfielder Adam Foss (Billerica, Mass.) shot a pass in front of the goal to Sean Speciale (Hillsborough, NJ).  After two more Jumbo connections, senior attackman Dave Bulhoes (Billerica, Mass.) gave Lasell their second score off a pass from Chris Bulkley (Groton, Conn.).  McNally scored two more goals before the end of the first period to put Tufts ahead 7-2.

The Jumbos had an eight goal second period, broken up just once by Lasell's Mike Maggio (Winchester, Mass.) who cranked a shot past Tufts goalkeeper Matt Harrigan (Darnestown, MD) and was assisted by Ryan Koerner (Floral Park, NY). 

In the third quarter, Maggio struck again bringing the score to 16-5.  The Jumbos outscored the Lasers 6-4 in the final period, spreading their attack amongst six attackers.  Lasell's Koerner hit twice more and Brandon Keith (Marston Mills, Mass.) and Terry Soloski (Billerica, Mass.) each buried one shot down the stretch.

Lasell defense was kept busy throughout the game, as the Jumbos outshot Lasell 66-23.  Lasell's goalie Mike Kelliher (Weymouth, Mass.) made 24 save in net, while Harrigan made 3 saves for the Jumbos in thirty minutes and earned the victory.  Foss led Lasell with 5 ground balls and 10-15 faceoff wins, however it was Tufts Nick Rhoads (McLean, VA) who had a game-best nine ground balls. 

Molloy ended the game with seven points to lead for the Jumbos on three goals and four assists.  McNally scored five goals and Droesch recorded four points with one goal and three assists. Eytan Saperstaein (Hewlett, NY) was solid on defense, causing four turnovers in Tufts advantage.

Koerner finished with three points for Lasell on 2 goals and one assist.  Keith, Bulhoes, and Maggio each added two points, Maggio added two caused turnovers. 

The Lasers will next face-off against UMass Boston on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. on Grellier Field.