READING, Pa. - The Neumann University men's lacrosse team got its season off to a roaring start on Saturday afternoon, taking home a 20-9 opening day victory on the road at Alvernia University.
Four Knights registered at least four goals in the win, led by
Rich Marshall with five tallies.
Drew Conlon had an eight point day with four goals and four assists, while
Eric Conlon and
Colin Blake also tallied four times apiece.
Jack Newswanger was a monster in the face off circle with 24-of-28 wins on draws and
Brendan Risley picked up the win in goal with five saves.
Looking to get their season off to a strong start, the Knights were unstoppable in the opening quarter of play. Neumann ripped off seven unanswered goals to open the contest and set the tone for the game and their season.
Drew Conlon led the charge in the first frame, picking up points on five of the team's first seven goals on three goals and two assists. Marshall and Blake also each had a pair of goals in the opening 15 minutes of play. Alvernia got two late goals to cut it to 7-2 after one quarter, but the Knights would take a five goal lead into the second stanza.
The five goal margin would remain until halftime, as the teams traded scores throughout the second quarter. Each team found the back of the net three times in the period as the game headed to the break with the Knights leading by a score of 10-5.
That was as close as Alvernia would get the remainder of the game. Using a 6-1 third quarter burst, Neumann broke the game wide open. Two goals apiece from Marshall and
Eric Conlon carries the Knights to a comfortable 16-6 lead after three.
With a convincing late lead, the visitors cruised the rest of the way. Alvernia recorded three of the first five goals in the quarter, but two late goals from
Eric Conlon sealed the 20-9 win for the Knights.
Neumann (1-0) will have a week off before returning to action for another non-conference matchup at Pfeiffer University on Saturday, February 23rd. Game-time in North Carolina is scheduled for 1:00 PM.
