BOX SCORE
Center Valley, PA (April 27, 2010) – The DeSales University men's lacrosse proved just how good a team they are on Tuesday afternoon, nearly defeating Elizabethtown College, a team tied for first place in the MAC Standings entering the day, but the Bulldogs fell just short, falling to the Blue Jays, 10-9, in overtime of a terrific MAC Conference game on a windy and chilly day on the DeSales campus.
The Bulldogs (5-10, 4-6 MAC) unfortunately are eliminated from the playoff race with the loss, while Elizabethtown (11-3, 9-1 MAC) inches closer to earning a first-round bye with the win. DeSales gave the Blue Jays all they could handle on Tuesday but in the end it was DSU's second loss to a playoff-bound team in overtime this season with the other coming at FDU-Florham.
DeSales appeared to have taken a late lead with 50+ seconds left and the score tied at nine when sophomore Michael Bassani (Califon, NY/Voorhees) snuck behind the net and into the goal area as his jump shot got past the Blue Jay keeper, but an official came in after the goal was scored to wave off the tally, saying Bassani stepped in the crease.
Still DSU had a chance to win the game as time was winding down after an Elizabethtown turnover but a shot with just over five seconds left caromed off the post as the buzzer sounded, sending the game into overtime. In overtime, DSU won the opening face-off but turned the ball over as they approached the offensive zone. E-Town's first two shots were unsuccessful before a third shot found the back of the net, ending the game with the Blue Jays escaping town with the overtime win.
Among the heroes on Tuesday for the Bulldogs was sophomore Tony Fabrizio (Hellertown, PA/Easton) with a career-high four goals in the loss off the bench. Bassani was terrific as well tallying one goal and three assists for four points. Junior Whit Bruemmer (Holland, PA/Council Rock South) and senior Matthew Kruszewski (Atco, NJ/Winslow Township) rounded out the scoring with three goals.
Senior Kevin Walker (Wilmington, DE/Salesianum) had an assist, picked up nine ground balls, and won 12-of-22 face-offs, while junior Donald Clemens (Baldwin, NY/Baldwin) and senior Patrick McManimon (Holland, PA/Council Rock South) each had assists. Sophomore Brendan Guerrier (Floral Park, NY/Chaminade) had six ground balls and junior Justin Campanelli (Langhorne, PA/Neshaminy) was outstanding in goal, making 16 saves and picking up five ground balls.
The Bulldogs will finish its 2010 season on Saturday when they host King's College in an MAC Conference game beginning at 1:00 pm.
