Montclair, NJ. – The Montclair State University men's lacrosse team (8-2) battled hard against visiting Western Connecticut, but was ultimately outdueled by the Wolves, 8-7, on Thursday evening.  

How It Happened

• West Conn drew first blood 42 seconds into the contest, but Montclair saw a quick answer just 11 seconds later when CARTER FINNEN found MAX MOROSOFF to tie the game 1-1. The Red Hawks went back on the attack and fired off three shots before BRIAN KELLY finally sank one to take the lead at the 8:45 mark in the first. The Wolves equalized the game just two minutes later after a good save and a clear setup for a goal on the next possession to put the game at 2-2. KAI DONAHUE retook the lead for Montclair, but Western Connecticut rattled off two goals in the final two minutes of the game to hold a 4-3 lead heading into the second quarter.
• The Wolves extended the lead to 5-3 in the early portion of the second frame. After NICHOLI HALSE made a key save on the next West Conn possession, Montclair went on the attack over the next three minutes, but was unable to put a goal into the net. Both teams exchanged shots over the back half of the second quarter, and the game remained 5-3 heading into the second half.
• The third quarter started with another Wolves goal at the 14:09 timestamp. Both teams possessed the ball several times before a quick series by Montclair led to a goal. Morosoff was stuffed on his shot attempt, but RYAN VIERBUCHEN saved the possession and found Donahue for his second goal of the game to cut the lead to 6-4. Another West Conn goal was answered by JONATHAN SLUSSER at the 1:46 mark, and the game went 7-5 into the final period.
• Montclair generated most of the offensive opportunities in the first half of the fourth quarter, but was unable to put shots on goal. The Red Hawks broke through at the 3:27 timestamp to make it a one-possession game, but the Wolves struck back at the 1:55 mark to keep a comfortable distance. Western Connecticut won the ensuing face-off, but Vierbuchen forced a key turnover and found Morosoff for a goal with just 79 seconds remaining in the game. While a penalty of Montclair put themselves in a tough spot, they generated two stops they needed, but gave the ball right back on each of them due to offside calls, and Western Connecticut was able to escape with the win.

Inside the Numbers

• Donahue and Morosoff each led the game with two goals. Donahue's pair was the first multi-goal game of his collegiate career.
• CORBIN QUINTERO once again led defenders with four caused turnovers in the game.
• Halse suffered the loss, but made nine saves in the contest, which pushed his career total to 250 saves in his two-year career at Montclair.

From the Field

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Up Next

• Montclair will honor its 12 seniors for Senior Day before matching up against Maritime on Saturday, March 28. The game is set for a noon start.