WILLIAMSPORT Pa The St Marys College of Maryland mens lacrosse team erased a two goal deficit with a dominant second half outscoring host Penn College 8 to 3 including a five goal fourth quarter to secure a 13 to 10 road victory on Saturday afternoon March 28.
The Seahawks improved to 8 and 4 overall and remained undefeated in United East Conference play at 2 and 0 while Penn College fell to 9 and 3 and 0 and 1 in the UEC. The win marked a gritty comeback for the Southern Maryland based program which has built a reputation for resilience and strong conference performances in recent seasons.
Penn College won the first quarter 4 to 2. The Wildcats netted the opening goal at the 12 minute 34 second mark. Thirty four seconds later junior attackman Gavin McKay of Urbana Maryland and Urbana High School leveled the score at 1 to 1. Penn College pushed ahead 3 to 1 at the 6 minute 14 second mark before senior captain Joshua Martel of Linthicum Maryland and North County High School scored his first of four goals with 1 minute 34 seconds remaining in the period. The Wildcats added a fourth goal in the final 10 seconds to take a two goal edge into the second quarter.
After Penn College scored first in the second period the Seahawks responded with a 3 to 1 run pulling within 6 to 5 with 8 minutes 3 seconds left in the half. Penn College reclaimed a two goal lead with a goal in the final 88 seconds of the period.
St Marys College opened the third quarter with a 3 to 1 run knotting the game at 8 to 8 with 7 minutes 30 seconds remaining. Penn College however scored the final two goals of the quarter to carry a 10 to 8 advantage into the fourth period.
The fourth quarter belonged to the Seahawks. Their defense limited Penn College to just five shots with sophomore goalie Ty Spencer of Hanover Maryland and Indian Creek School denying all four shots on goal. On the offensive end St Marys fired 14 shots and converted five goals on eight shots on goal. McKay fueled the outburst with three assists while junior attackman Declan Horton of University Park Maryland and DeMatha Catholic High School added two goals and one assist during the decisive spurt.
St Marys College dominated the stat sheet outshooting the hosts 55 to 27 and controlling ground balls 44 to 22. Senior Matteo Ciccarello of Crofton Maryland and Arundel High School led the way with a game high 11 ground balls and went 18 of 26 on face offs giving the Seahawks a 19 of 27 advantage overall. Spencer finished with eight saves for the game.
McKay posted a career best seven points on three goals and a career high four assists while collecting a career best three loose balls. Martel finished with a season best four goals and added two ground balls. Senior defenseman Joe Szymanski of Easton Maryland and Easton High School paced the defense with five ground balls and two caused turnovers.
For Penn College Elliot Dotson led with two goals and two assists while Ryan Twist made 21 saves in net.
The victory showcased the depth and late game adjustments that have defined the Seahawks this season. With key contributions from local Maryland players the team continues to represent Southern Maryland proudly on the lacrosse field. The comeback also highlighted defensive improvements in critical moments and offensive efficiency when it mattered most.
St Marys College now looks ahead to a challenging road test on Saturday April 4 at No 8 York College of Pennsylvania at Kinsley Field with a 12 p m start. The game will provide another opportunity to test their momentum against a nationally ranked opponent as they aim to build on their perfect conference record.
The performance also underscores the growing strength of lacrosse programs in Southern Maryland where St Marys College has become a consistent contender in the United East Conference. Fans and local supporters have followed the teams progress closely with this road win adding to the excitement for the remainder of the season.