The University of Mary Washington men's lacrosse team put together a strong second half comeback but fell just short against York College (Pa.) on Saturday afternoon, losing 11-9 at the Battleground. The Eagles drop to 7-5 overall and 1-3 in Capital Athletic Conference play.
After leading 8-3 at the half, York notched two more goals by the 4:25 mark in the third quarter to extend their lead to seven. The Eagles then orchestrated their 6-1 run to get back into the contest.
Mary Washington struck first in the contest at 11:13 in the first quarter when Paul Tunick netted a goal off a Forest Fisher helper to take the 1-0 lead. The Spartans (12-3, 4-1 CAC) then stormed back to score five straight before Luke Dick broke the run with an unassisted goal at the 7:40 mark in the second quarter to pull the Eagles within three.
York would go on to score three of the next four goals before the halfway point. John Bohlinger assisted Sean Dacey on a goal with two minutes left to interrupt another Spartans' streak. Tyler Hutson sneaked one in with three seconds left in the half to send the visitors into the break with an 8-3 advantage.
With 3:30 left in the third quarter and the Eagles down by seven, Griffin Burke found his first strike to spark the comeback. Paul Tunick would then score two straight unassisted goals to lead Mary Washington into the final frame down 10-6.
After one Spartans' tally to begin the fourth quarter, the Eagles scored the final three goals of the game, all unassisted off the sticks of Burke, Tunick and Dick.
York won the faceoff battle 16-8 on the day; however, the Eagles collected the most shots (46) and ground balls (50).
Paul Tunick had four goals off of only five shots-on-goal. Luke Dick put two on the board and snatched up 11 ground balls. Zack Del Grosso had 13 saves in the contest.
The Eagles return to action on Wednesday, April 17, as they travel to face CAC foe Frostburg State. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.