Box Score
The Muhlenberg men's lacrosse team put together many senior moments to pick up its first win of the season, 8-7 at Scranton.
Senior John Hetzel scored the winning goal with 2:05 left off a pass from fellow senior Pat Farrell, who had three assists in the game. Senior Adam Schlauch made 15 saves in goal, senior Jason Mertz had a goal and three assists, and seniors Jon Thomas, Conner Burdick and Connor Winter each scored a goal. Burdick's was the first of his career.
In all, seniors accounted for five goals and seven assists.
"The senior class is a very tight-knit group and we love seeing each other succeed. Every single senior plays a big role on the team," said Hetzel.
"Conner got his first goal today in a big moment. Pat bounced back from a tough game on Wednesday. His assist on the game-winner was a big play at a big time. Mertz really got back on track today as well passing the ball. He is a great distributor of the ball and really helps us control the pace of the game.
"Connor Winter and Michael Heenan play huge roles for us both offensively and defensively. Both often go unnoticed but are vital to the team. Adam was huge in the net today for a second straight game, especially late."
After holding Susquehanna scoreless in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's season-opening loss, the Mules continued their shutout streak in their first road game of the year. The first career goal for sophomore Tom Kellerman (pictured above), sandwiched around goals by Mertz and Thomas, gave Muhlenberg a 3-0 lead after one.
The Royals finally broke through against the defense three minutes into the second quarter, but two goals by sophomore Ty Weisberg helped the Mules take a three-goal lead, 6-3, into halftime.
Scranton scored the first two goals of the third quarter, and after Winter's fourth goal of the season, added two more goals, the latter tying the game at seven with 4:04 remaining.
"Seeing Scranton (0-3) tie the game up was tough especially because I carelessly turned the ball over just prior to their game-tying goal," said Hetzel (pictured at right). "We knew we just had to dig deep and make a play when the time came. We really came together and got a tough stop. Once we had the ball we knew we had to capitalize on the opportunity."
The Royals won the faceoff after the tying goal, but Schlauch saved a shot – one of five saves he made in the fourth quarter. Muhlenberg cleared the ball and worked for a shot.
"Pat Farrell dodged hard down the left side and swung the ball behind to me. My man got caught up a little and I pushed the ball hard up the back side," said Hetzel. "I saw the goalie a bit off the near pipe so I tried to tuck under his shoulder. It was a pretty sharp angle so shooting it near side was my best option.
"Scoring the game-winning goal is a great feeling. It was a big relief after a dumb play I made to give them back the ball."
It has also been a big relief to back playing again for Hetzel, who had his season cut short by injury after two games last year. He has scored three goals in the first two games of the season. The return of Thomas, who also missed most of 2014 with injury, gives the team a further boost.
"Anytime you can get a player of his caliber back on the field things are bound to change," said Hetzel. "There's really nothing he can't do on the field, and the team's success is often driven from his play. After missing last year along with myself I know he's glad to be back."
