FREDERICK, Md.--Sophomore Tom Hedrick scored a game-high five
goals, including the eventual game-winner with 2:18 left in
regulation, to lead the visiting Neumann University men's lacrosse
team (1-2) to a narrow 13-12 nonconference win over the Hood
College Blazers (3-3) Wednesday afternoon at Thomas Athletic Field.
Hood outscored the Knights 3-1 in the first quarter on a pair of
scores by Corey Roberts and the first of four by Kris Miner on the
day.
But the rest of the contest was a nip-and-tuck affair. Hood took
its largest lead of the game at 5-2 at the 12:30 mark of the second
quarter on Trey Freeman's eighth goal of the season.
After the two teams traded goals, Neumann recorded three
straight tallies to tie the contest at 6-6 with 1:41 to go before
intermission. Roberts gave Hood the momentum heading into halftime
when he ripped his third goal of the day with 1:23 left in the
period, marking his third hat trick of the spring.
Trailing 9-7 midway through the third quarter, the Knights
reeled off three straight goals to take their first lead of the day
capped by Justin Mailkoux's third score of the afternoon with 27
seconds to go in the stanza. Neumann clung to a 10-9 lead heading
into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Knights and Blazers traded goals
throughout the period. Scott Thompson drew the Blazers even with
his sixth goal of the season within the first 40 seconds of the
quarter. But the Knights always had an answer and never let the
Blazers regain the lead.
Hood was unable to cash in on a 30-second man-advantage
opportunity in the final two minutes. Miner's attempt with 36
seconds left was denied by Knight keeper Andrew Neubauer and
Thompson's shot with 12 ticks left sailed wide of the net.
Miner racked up four goals and an assist while Dominique Shorter
finished with a goal and four assists. Freeman, Troy Hubbard, Nick
Spicer and Thompson contributed a goal apiece.
John Martin earned the start in the cage and made 10 saves.
Hector Montoya was credited with 14 face-off wins.
Hood wraps up its five-game homestand Friday hosting Cazenovia
College (0-1) at 2 p.m. at Thomas Athletic Field.
