Men’s Lacrosse Defeats Widener 10-4

Senior captain Tim Brady held strong in the net during Saturday’s game against Widener University with 13 saves (Photo Courtesy of David Sinclair).

Senior captain Tim Brady held strong in the net during Saturday’s game against Widener University with 13 saves (Photo Courtesy of David Sinclair).

By Candace Means, Staff Writer

The Gettysburg Bullets men’s lacrosse team brought home an exciting victory in a non-conference match up against Widener University Saturday. The 10-4 win increased the Bullets’ record to 7-1 in the early part of the season.

Saturday’s victory marked a reboot for Gettysburg, as only three days before the team ended its six game winning streak with a loss against Washington and Lee University.

The Bullets played their best game of the season on the defensive end, as they allowed only one goal in each of the four quarters. Senior goalie, Tim Brady, successfully made 13 saves, tying his season high.

First-year Jack Fletcher contributed to Saturday’s success by scoring a point early in the first quarter.

Fletcher had two goals coming into the season.

“I want to help bring the Centennial Conference title back to Gettysburg and I wanted to play my role to the best of my abilities and help contribute where ever I can on the field,” he said.

Fletcher would finish the game with three goals under his name — a season high for the first year. After the game, Fletcher credited his strong performance to his teammates.

“I wouldn’t have been able to score in any of our games this season without my teammates,” said Fletcher. “They’re the ones who put me in the right positions at the right time and against Widener I was able to finish three of those opportunities.”

The game, however, was not a walk in the park for the Bullets, nor was victory always in sight for the team. At the beginning of the second quarter, the game was tied 2-2.

Soon, however, sophomore Michael McCormick, and senior Noah Pompan both scored a goal a piece to send the Bullets into halftime with a 4-2 lead.

The Bullets were able to smoothly cruise to victory after halftime, scoring 6 of their 10 goals against Widener in the remaining 30 minutes. Sophomore Connor Hunt finished the game with 10 out of 13 successful faceoffs and a goal in the second half.

For the first time this season, sophomore Brian Kolen went scoreless, but used his agility and aggressiveness on the field to lead to a successful two turnovers, three ground balls, and three assists. Kolen’s remarkable and consistent performances so far this season have generated a boost of energy and morale for the Bullets, serving as inspiration to first-years like Jack Fletcher.

“Playing alongside guys like Tommy Heller and Brian Kolen makes my job pretty easy,” said Fletcher. “I just try to feed off of them, and so far, it’s been working and giving us success.”

After being runner-up in the Centennial Conference Championship to Franklin and Marshall College last year, the Bullets are hoping to return to the championship field for another attempt. This year, however, they are determined to bring the trophy home with them. The Centennial Conference coaches’ poll ranked Gettysburg second to F&M for this season as well.

The Bullets are currently ranked in the top five for the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Division III top-20 poll for the third straight week, ahead of F&M by six places. The Bullets were also ranked number seven in the Inside Lacrosse Face-Off Yearbook Division III Preseason Top-25 Poll at the start of the season.

The team comes back with two players of All-American status. Brady and junior midfielder Jack Harvey both earned this recognition after their success during the 2017 season.

The Bullets also welcome back five All-Centennial recognized players for the season.

Gettysburg will begin Centennial Conference play this Saturday at noon in Collegeville, PA against Ursinus College.

 

Author: Gettysburgian Staff

Share This Post On

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *