Box Score
DETROIT, Mich. – Trailing by two goals in the first two minutes, the Manhattan men's lacrosse team fell 14-8 at Detroit in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play on Saturday afternoon. It was the third loss in four games for the Jaspers (3-9, 0-3 MAAC) who remain winless in league play.
The Titans (2-7, 2-2 MAAC) quickly jumped ahead when Mike Birney and Scott Drummond combined to give their squad a 2-0 lead with 13:01 to play in the first quarter. Manhattan would respond quickly on a man-up opportunity as Brett Madarasz found Ryan Payton for his first tally of the game. Detroit then reeled off three goals over the next eight minutes to take a 5-1 advantage before Tyler Jarvis brought the Jaspers within three.
They would inch a bit closer at the start of the second quarter when Patrick Hodapp scored the first of his three goals to cut the deficit to 5-3, but that would be as close as the Jaspers would get. Detroit scored four of the next six goals, taking a 9-5 lead into halftime. Manhattan's two scores game from Marcel Godino on a feed from Hodapp and an unassisted tally from Brian McGrath with just 54 seconds remaining in the half.
A slow moving third quarter saw both teams only score once in the period. Manhattan looked to make a comeback, controlling possession throughout picking up 13 ground balls and firing ten shots. Alex Wilson pushed the Titans lead to 10-5 at the 6:10 mark before Hodapp responded with under a minute left in the frame.
The Jaspers would look for some more fourth quarter magic, but it would not be so as Detroit outscored them 4-2 for the final decision. Andy Hebden and Birney each had a pair of goals for the Titans in the period while Manhattan got scores from Godino and Hodapp. Birney led all players with five points and four goals as Hodapp led the Jaspers with four points including a hat trick.
Both teams played an up-tempo contest with Detroit outshooting Manhattan 30-29 while also picking up a total of 37 ground balls to the Jaspers 33. Each squad played aggressive defense as well. The Titans held Manhattan to 15-17 on clear attempts but were 18-20 on their tries while turning the ball over 20 times, forcing just 17 from the Jaspers.
AJ Levell made eight saves in net for Detroit while Michael Wiatrak made nine for Manhattan, taking the loss playing the first half. Rich Akapnitis played the entire second half stopping a total of five shots.
The Jaspers will return to Gaelic Park for their next contest on Sat., April 13 when they host Canisius for an 11 a.m. start.
