So Gull-ible: Salisbury Tops Haverford in OT
from press release
SALISBURY, Md. – It was undoubtedly one
of the most heated men's lacrosse games played at Sea Gull Stadium
this season. In a NCAA Division III Men's Lacrosse quarterfinal
contest between the No. 2 Salisbury University Sea Gulls and the
No. 11 Haverford Fords which was tied an astounding eight times,
the Sea Gulls came from behind and prevailed in a thrilling 12-11
overtime victory.
Salisbury (20-1) opened up scoring, quickly netting two goals
within just six seconds of each other; the second of those goals
was a one-man play as senior midfielder Ryan Finch (Finksburg, Md.)
won his face-off and sprinted down field for the score. Undeterred,
the Fords ticked off the next three-straight goals to take a one
score lead into the second quarter.
Haverford (12-6) would strike first in the second quarter to take
a 4-2 lead over the Gulls, but Salisbury quickly settled and netted
three consecutive goals to regain the lead. The next two scores
belonged to Haverford, though, and the Fords took a 6-5 lead going
into halftime.
The Sea Gulls refused to trail. Senior attackman Jake DeLillo
(Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) fired a shot just 17 seconds into the
third quarter past Ford keeper Joe Banno to knot up the game once
again. The back-and-forth play continued as both teams rushed up
the field, scoring one goal before allowing the other team to
score.
With just 33 seconds left in the contest and the Fords holding an
11-10 lead, it looked as if Salisbury wouldn't have the opportunity
to play for the program's ninth national championship. Junior
midfielder Shawn Zordani (Littleton, Colo.) refused to lose. He
ripped a shot past Banno to tie up the contest at 11 apiece. Sea
Gull fans erupted in celebration.
That celebration, though, would pale in comparison to the roar
that would ensue after Finch won his 18th face-off of the day, tore
down the field and netted the game-winning goal just 12 seconds
into the overtime period. The goal, his second of the day, earned
the Gulls what will be the program's 19th NCAA tournament semifinal
appearance.
Four Sea Gulls scored two goals each in the victory: Zordani,
sophomore attackman Matt Cannone (Bayport, N.Y.), senior midfielder
Mike Von Kamecke (Winter Park, Fla.) and Finch, whose two goals
mark a new career high for the senior. Salisbury outshot Haverford
37-35, and junior goalkeeper Johnny Rodriguez (Gambrills, Md.)
posted 10 saves.
Salisbury will host Stevenson University, which defeated Roanoke
College in overtime to advance, in an NCAA semifinal contest. The
Sea Gulls and Mustangs have met twice before this season; Salisbury
prevailed in the first contest, 16-10, before falling to Stevenson
in the CAC championship game.
