BUENA VISTA, Va. — Sophomore attackman Owen Wynot of Kent Island, Md., matched his career high with five points to lead the St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s lacrosse team to a 15-4 non-conference victory over Southern Virginia University on Tuesday, March 24. The Seahawks improved to 7-4 with their second straight win. Southern Virginia fell to 3-7.
The game unfolded at the Southern Virginia University field in Buena Vista. St. Mary’s College of Maryland, located in St. Mary’s City, sent a roster heavy with Maryland talent onto the field, including players from Kent Island, Easton, Crofton, Perry Hall, Linthicum, Hanover and Mayo high schools. The Seahawks controlled the contest after an even first quarter, outscoring the Knights 13-2 over the final three periods.
Wynot and senior defenseman Joe Szymanski of Easton scored in the first four minutes for a 2-0 lead. Southern Virginia responded with two goals to tie the score at 2-2 with 6:24 left in the opening quarter. St. Mary’s then erupted. The Seahawks posted five goals in the second quarter and six in the third, building a 15-2 advantage with 1:56 remaining in the third period. Southern Virginia added the only two goals of the fourth quarter, one at 12:42 and one at 6:07.
St. Mary’s outshot Southern Virginia 45-24. Turnovers were even at 23 apiece. The Seahawks dominated ground balls 48-23 and won 20 of 23 faceoffs. Senior midfielder Matteo Ciccarello of Crofton led the way with a team-high 14 ground balls and 20 faceoff wins.
Wynot finished with four goals and one assist plus one ground ball. Sophomore midfielder Carson Giannelli of Perry Hall delivered a career-best five points on two goals and three assists, adding one ground ball and one caused turnover. Senior captain Joshua Martel of Linthicum contributed three goals and one ground ball. Szymanski scored his second goal of the season as a Seahawk and paced the defense with six ground balls and one caused turnover.
Junior defensive midfielder Will Hock of Arlington, Va., and sophomore midfielder Jack Wojciechowski of Baltimore each recorded a career-high three caused turnovers and two ground balls. Sophomore goalie Ty Spencer of Hanover played the first three quarters, making three saves and collecting two ground balls. First-year Conner Campbell of Mayo delivered a career-best seven saves in the final 15 minutes.
For Southern Virginia, Myles Nielson led with two goals. Jace Lightfoot made 18 saves.
The victory highlighted St. Mary’s recent offensive surge. The team entered the contest with momentum from its previous win, as noted in coverage by the Southern Maryland Chronicle. Local players continue to drive the Seahawks’ success this season. Wynot, a Kent Island High School product, has emerged as a consistent scoring threat. Giannelli’s career day added depth to the attack. Ciccarello’s faceoff mastery and ground-ball work gave St. Mary’s repeated possession advantages, limiting Southern Virginia’s opportunities.
Defensive efforts across the roster proved critical. Multiple players, including Szymanski, Hock and Wojciechowski, forced turnovers that fueled transition scoring. The Seahawks’ ability to maintain control after the first quarter prevented any sustained Knight comeback.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland competes in the United East Conference. The non-conference schedule has tested the team against varied opponents, building experience for conference play. The Seahawks’ 7-4 mark reflects steady improvement, particularly in scoring output and defensive coordination.
The game statistics underscore the dominance. St. Mary’s posted 15 goals on 45 shots for a .333 shooting percentage. Southern Virginia managed four goals on 24 shots. Ground-ball control translated directly into scoring chances. Ciccarello’s 20-23 faceoff performance was decisive in the second and third quarters when the Seahawks pulled away.
Up next, the Seahawks travel to face Penn College, currently 9-2, on Saturday, March 28, at 12 p.m. at UPMC Field in Williamsport, Pa. The contest marks another road test as St. Mary’s continues its 2026 season.
The performance keeps Southern Maryland’s flagship college lacrosse program in strong position heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Players from across Maryland, including several from counties surrounding St. Mary’s, are contributing at high levels. The win over Southern Virginia demonstrates the team’s ability to execute a complete game plan, from faceoffs to finishing.
