Stanley Colaço
Staff Writer
The Franciscan University of Steubenville men’s lacrosse team took another loss in a winless season, this time 19-7 against Bethany College Monday night.
The first quarter in the game was pretty well balanced. Graduate student attack Michael Araps was able to score the first goal of the game. The Bethany College Bisons followed with three goals of their own before Araps and junior attack Daniel Clayton scored one goal each. The quarter ended 4-3, with the Bisons holding the one-goal lead.
The second quarter was much tougher for the Barons. Sophomore midfielder Joe Miraglia scored the Barons’ only goal of the quarter, and the Bisons were able to score five goals.
Going into the second half, the Barons were down 9-4. The Bisons was able to score six unanswered goals in the third quarter, bringing the score to 15-4.
The fourth quarter started with a goal by Mirgalia, followed by two from sophomore midfielder Jonathan Bookwalter and sophomore attack Elijah Evans. Bethany College ended the quarter by scoring four goals of its own.
The match would end in a Barons’ loss of 19-7.
The Barons came up with 47 total shots, matching Bethany shot for shot. However, the Barons’ goalkeeper was able to save 13 shots, compared to 23 saves by the Bisons’ goalkeeper Andrew Smith. Smith is currently ranked eighth in saves per game at the NCAA Division III level.
The Barons were able to keep a similar level statistically, with slightly more ground balls, equal face-offs won and only one more turnover.
Head coach Peter Rosaschi III attributes a big part of the loss to injuries.
“Losing Gavin Cook on offense due to a hand injury during the game … and not having our starting defense available to play (had a big impact),” said Rosaschi.
This matchup was the third between the two teams of the season; the previous two ended in Bethany wins of 19-6 and 15-10.
The Barons next home game will be against Grove City College April 26 at 6 p.m.