WINCHESTER, Va. – The Shenandoah University men's lacrosse team dropped its final nonconference game of the season to Penn College, falling 13-7 at home on Wednesday afternoon.
The Hornets (3-4) were led by Dillon Bakhsh, who recorded two goals and an assist. Matt Daniel, Dylan Foughty, Josh Boonshaft, Cody Griffis, and Jake Green each contributed a goal, while Foughty added two assists. Despite dominating possession and outshooting the Wildcats, Shenandoah was unable to capitalize on its opportunities, netting just seven goals on 58 shots.
Defensively, Aaron Coombs led the Hornets with two caused turnovers, while Mark Isabelle collected seven ground balls. Isabelle started in goal, making 12 saves. Shenandoah won the faceoff battle, going 13-for-24, with Ryan Therkorn finishing 7-for-12 and Jason Forchetti going 6-for-12.
Game Recap
The Hornets started strong, winning the opening faceoff and quickly capitalizing as Cody Griffis scooped up a ground ball and fired a shot past the goalie to put Shenandoah ahead 1-0. Isabelle was tested early, making two key saves to maintain the lead. Looking to extend the advantage, Shenandoah had quality chances from Bakhsh and Clark Harrity, but both attempts ricocheted off the post.
Penn College responded by tying the game at 1-1 with just under nine minutes remaining in the first quarter. Following a turnover, the Wildcats regained possession and scored again to take a 2-1 lead. The visitors continued their momentum, adding two more goals to extend their advantage to 4-1 with 3:30 left in the first.
Shenandoah answered as Matt Daniel found the back of the net, cutting the deficit to 4-2. However, Penn College quickly responded, capitalizing on a turnover to push the lead back to three. The Hornets struck again when Boonshaft converted off a Bakhsh assist, but despite two more quality looks, including another shot off the post, Shenandoah trailed 5-3 heading into the second quarter.
The Hornets had a prime opportunity early in the second after Dylan Pencek drew three penalties, giving Shenandoah a three-man advantage. However, after two shots, the Hornets turned the ball over and failed to capitalize. Shenandoah continued to pressure the Wildcats' defense, firing 11 more shots before forcing a shot-clock violation. Jake Green then found the net to make it a 5-4 game with just over five minutes left in the half.
Penn College responded two minutes later, executing a play out of a timeout to regain a two-goal lead. The Hornets entered halftime trailing 6-4.
Each team found the net early in the third quarter, with Foughty answering the Wildcats' opening goal. However, Penn College then went on a three-goal run as Shenandoah continued to generate shots but struggled to finish. The Hornets trailed 10-5 heading into the fourth quarter.
In the final period, the Wildcats extended their lead with three more goals. Bakhsh scored twice late in the game, but the deficit was too much to overcome as Penn College secured the 13-7 victory.
Up Next
Shenandoah opens conference play on the road next Wednesday at 7 p.m. against Washington and Lee in Lexington.
#GoSUHornets
