The Massachusetts men’s lacrosse team pulled through in an offensive slugfest over Saint Joseph’s on Saturday afternoon, capitalizing on efficiency to secure a 14-12 win at Garber Field.
Although the Hawks (5-4, 2-2 Atlantic 10) played a strong defensive game, forcing turnovers and generating more shots throughout the contest, the Minutemen (9-3, 2-2 A-10) proved more efficient when it mattered most and finished their chances at a higher rate.
The atmosphere at Garber Field reached a peak in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter. The game was tied at 12, the result of both skillful individual efforts and cohesive team play from each side. Saint Joseph’s defensive intensity was off the charts, leading to six more shots and four more shots on goal than Massachusetts. With fewer opportunities, the Minutemen made each possession count.
That efficiency showed when senior attacker Aiden Drunsic found himself one-on-one with the Hawks’ goalkeeper. Drunsic launched a behind-the-back shot over the keeper’s head and into the net, giving Massachusetts a 13-12 lead late in the fourth.
“Since we joined the A-10, we’ve always played a physical, up-and-down game with Saint Joseph’s,” head coach Kyle Smith said. “For whatever reason, it tends to be that type of game, and in the end, it worked our way.”
The momentum stayed with the Minutemen for the remainder of the contest. With 1:45 remaining, Connecticut native Charles Kurtz beat his defender with a right-handed swim move and buried the dagger, extending the lead and effectively sealing the game.
Kurtz delivered a standout performance, scoring a game-high five goals. Whether it was in transition, on broken plays or in settled offense, the attacker consistently found ways to score.
“[Kurtz has] had a really good year for us, and he’s really worked for it,” Smith said. “He tore his ACL about halfway through last year, so he and Dylan Johnson had a big game. [Johnson] is coming back from an Achilles injury, so those guys have played their tails off to get back in shape. To see them have a day like that, where they combine for eight goals, is incredible. We are very proud of them and very fortunate to coach them.”
Johnson made his presence felt early, opening the scoring within the first three minutes of the game with a powerful finish. He added two more goals in the third quarter, including one at the 1:50 mark that gave Massachusetts a 10-9 lead and snapped a two-goal run by Saint Joseph’s.
The Hawks challenged the hosts throughout the game with their physical defensive style, forcing 15 turnovers and quickly transitioning to offense. Saint Joseph’s ability to ride and apply pressure disrupted the Minutemen, especially during the second and third quarters.
“Their defense packs it in, switches everything and they are really tough,” Smith said. “They are also a really good riding team, so the minute possession changes from defense to offense, they are right on you.”
That constant pressure limited Massachusetts’ offensive possessions for stretches of the game. However, goalkeeper Owen Salanger played a pivotal role in keeping the Minutemen in control. Salanger recorded 16 saves, turning away a high volume of shots from the Hawks and providing a steady presence in net.
In contrast, Saint Joseph’s two goalkeepers combined for 10 saves while allowing 14 goals.
Faceoffs favored the Hawks, which won 19 compared to Massachusetts’ 10, giving the Hawks additional opportunities to control possession. The Minutemen’s defense had to settle in to handle these extra possessions.
“Our defensive guys got a little more comfortable, made simple plays, kept their heads up and moved the ball out,” Smith said. “Sometimes making the simple play is the best option.”
Massachusetts will return to Garber Field on Saturday, April 11, when it hosts Delaware at 2 p.m. That game will be available to watch live on NESN.
Jonathan Charlier can be reached at [email protected] and followed on X @JonathanDChar
