By Michael Otero
Staff Writer
On Saturday, March 29, the no. 9 Pioneer Men’s Lacrosse team (5-2) squared off against no. 15 ranked Griffins of Chestnut Hill College (3-4). The ECC clash featured an epic comeback by the Pioneers, overcoming a four goal deficit at the half to win 10-9 on enemy turf.
It seemed to be the Griffins’ day early on, as they scored five unanswered goals in the second period. Senior attackman Michael Melnychenko and sophomore attackman Michael Plaia combined for four of the goals, pushing their lead to 6-2 at the half.
The third period was a different story, as the Pioneers came out more aggressively, and it showed in their shots on goal in the period. They out-shot their opponent by 10, leading to three goals which helped narrow the deficit to 7-5 heading into the last frame.
Sophomore midfielder Anthony Berardis tied the game at seven with two goals in the fourth period, giving him three for the game. The Pioneers took a two goal lead with just over five minutes remaining in the game, giving them a 9-7 advantage. However, the Griffins scored twice in the final minute of the game to tie it up at nine. With just over 30 seconds on the clock, sophomore attackman Matty Beccaris scored the go ahead and eventual game-winning goal for the Green and Gold.
Senior defenseman T.J. McAndrew caused three turnovers in the game and also accounted for the assist on Beccaris’ game winning goal. The Pioneers won 11 of 21 faceoffs, and converted on 2 of 5 extra man opportunities as well. Coach John Jez and his squad are back in action on Wednesday, April 2 when they travel to Merrimack College in Massachusetts. Game time is slated for 4 p.m.
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