FREDERICK, Md. – The Shenandoah University men's lacrosse team dropped a hard-fought non-conference road match against Hood on Tuesday afternoon, falling 8-7 in double overtime. The game, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was moved due to forecasted inclement weather.
The Hornets (0-2) were led by Matt Daniel and Cody Griffis, who each scored twice. Sam Poster, Dylan Pencek, and Bryan Berryhill also found the back of the net. Daniel, Dylan Foughty, and Josh Boonshaft each tallied assists.
Shenandoah improved in the faceoff circle from its opening game, edging out Hood 11-9 in faceoff wins. Jason Forchetti led the effort, winning 7-of-10 attempts, while Ryan Therkorn added a 4-of-10 performance. Mark Isabelle got the start in goal, making 11 saves.
On defense, Caleb Kelly, Jonathan Hammond, and Jason Forchetti each recorded three ground balls, though Hood held the overall advantage in ground balls, 25-20. Hammond and Boonshaft led the Hornets with two caused turnovers apiece.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Hood won the opening faceoff and quickly took a 1-0 lead after their first shot sailed wide but their second found the net. Isabelle made two key saves on ensuing possessions before the Hornets started generating offensive pressure. Jake Green, Josh Boonshaft, and Dylan Taylor all had early shot attempts, but Hood kept Shenandoah off the scoreboard. Following a turnover deep in Hornet territory, Hood failed to clear the ball, allowing Dylan Pencek to capitalize and tie the game at 1-1 off an assist from Boonshaft. Both teams continued to exchange opportunities, but the score remained tied entering the second quarter.
In the second quarter, Isabelle made several key stops to keep the Hornets in the game. Prince Ayivon forced a turnover, but Shenandoah was unable to clear its defensive zone. Hood eventually broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the quarter, taking a 2-1 lead after a timeout. On the ensuing faceoff, won by Forchetti with Sam Poster collecting the ground ball, the Hornets called a timeout, and Daniel delivered the equalizer with just over four minutes to play. Shenandoah created multiple chances before halftime, but the game remained tied at 2-2.
Off the opening faceoff in the second half, Shenandoah took its first lead of the game when Griffis scored his first goal. Hood responded by taking advantage of an unsportsmanlike penalty, netting the tying goal at 3-3 with nine minutes left in the quarter. The Blazers then added two more goals, extending their lead to 5-3 with just over five minutes remaining. However, the Hornets answered as Berryhill found the net off an assist from Daniel, sparking a three-goal run that put Shenandoah ahead 6-5 entering the fourth quarter. Daniel followed up with a highlight-reel goal, driving from behind the net and firing a falling shot past the Hood goalie. Griffis then added his second of the game to give Shenandoah the lead.
In the fourth quarter, Hood quickly tied the game off the opening faceoff. The Hornets reclaimed the lead with eight minutes remaining after a Hood turnover led to a Shenandoah timeout. Off the set play, Poster scored off an assist from Foughty to make it 7-6. Unfortunately, Hood equalized in the final minute off a reset. The Hornets had two strong chances to win in regulation, with Daniel and Green both taking shots in the final 20 seconds, but neither attempt found the target, sending the game into overtime.
In the first overtime period, the Hornets generated four shots but could not break through. In the second overtime, Hood won the opening faceoff, quickly advanced the ball, and netted the game-winner to secure the victory.
UP NEXT
The Hornets return to action on Saturday when they travel to face Widener. The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
#GoSUHornets
