The Cavaliers men’s lacrosse team beat the Shenandoah University Hornets by a score of 24-1 at the Edith Robb Dixon Field on Saturday, March 24.
Senior attack Brian Hill scored five goals, one of which was his 100th goal as a Cavalier. Hill also notched four assists, for a total of nine points. The Cavaliers also out-shot the Hornets by a wide 53-17 margin.
“We played really well in all aspects, even though it wasn’t the best competition,” junior attack J.T. Ervin said.
Goals came from a variety of players, including freshman attack Kevin MacQuilliam, who scored three goals on five shots. Freshman attacks Enrique Montoya and Mike Leyden, as well as junior attack Bobby Thorp, scored two goals apiece. Nine other Cavaliers also appeared on the scoresheet.
The victory puts the Cavaliers at 6-2 overall on the season and improves their winning streak to five games. It was their first game of Colonial States Athletic Conference play.
After losing 10 seniors last season, head coach Steve Colfer brought in 14 freshmen. Having a lot of youth creates a big bench and depth for the Cavaliers. Freshman attacks Leyden and Damian Sobieski have both been positive additions to the team.
“Coming in as a freshman, you really need to prove yourself, but the upperclassmen tell us there is a reason we were recruited and brought here,” Sobieski said.
The Cavaliers have been strong this season, in pursuit of their 12th consecutive CSAC title. They have enjoyed strong play from their defense, who has been shutting down opposing attackers.
“Coach has a lot of confidence in us,” Sobieski said. “He’s very positive with us and is constantly encouraging us to get better and work hard.”
Face-offs are one of the most important factors in the outcome of the game and freshman midfielder Anthony DiNenno won all 12 of the face-offs that he took. Sophomore midfielders Dave Martina and Josh Sutterfield created more possessions, as they each won all four of their face-offs. Of the 19 face-offs in the game, the Cavaliers won 24.
“Basically, the goal is to win it all,” Ervin said. “We have the talent and depth to make a serious run.”
