Griffins net 27 goals in season-closer; create new marks in record book
St. Louis, Mo. - Fontbonne men's lacrosse gave spectators quite a show in their final game of 2015. The Griffins defeated the University of Dallas 27-7 to close out the season with a win.
Fontbonne got out to a slow start in a game that saw both goalkeepers receive penalties. Each goalkeeper's sub was scored upon during the penalty. Fontbonne trailed 3-1 in the first quarter but scored three consecutive goals in the final four minutes to 2:30 to lead 4-3 after the first quarter. The Griffins scored two more before Dallas netted their fourth goal. Fontbonne closed out the half putting five more in the back of the net to lead 10-4 at halftime. The entire first half the Griffins played without any substitutions.
With four more players enabled to play in the second half, the Griffins opened up against the Crusaders. The Griffins scored two goals in the final 26 seconds of the third quarter to lead 16-7. Fontbonne then posted a 10-0 fourth-quarter advantage, scoring a total of 16 points in the second half to Dallas' three.
Brett Harris led Fontbonne with eight goals on the day, all in the second half and on 10 shots, nine of which were on target. Junior Joey Mirth led the Griffins all game, netting five goals and seven assists on the day. Freshman Michael Picciolo was a major threat as well, posting three goals and five assists. Brian Nguyen adn Victor Mehrtens each scored there goals while adding an assist on the rainy afternoon. Blake Minchew scored twice while Jacob Greskoviak, Kyle Dahlin and Chris Graham each netted one goal. Freshman Seth Yance recorded his first collegiate win while saving 15 in cage for the Griffins.
St. Louis native Matthew Cyr led Dallas with three goals and two assists. In goal for the Crusaders, Ryan Murphy made an astounding 24 saves.
Fontbonne capitalized on their 26-37 faceoff wins, 25-28 clear attempts, 78-35 shot advantage and 63-42 ground ball earnings.
Fontbonne's 78 shots is a new school record for most team shots in a game. Harris' eight single-game goals ties the school-record and the first-year Griffin totaled 34 season goals, one short of the single-season record. He amassed those 34 goals in just 11 games. Mirth's season total 90 groundballs is a new season record while his seven assists against the Crusaders is a new mark in the record book as well.