The University of Massachusetts men’s lacrosse team won a close game against Saint Joseph’s, 14-12, at Garber Field on April 4. The match featured ten ties and four lead changes before senior Aiden Drunsic scored a behind-the-back goal that put UMass ahead for good.
This win brings UMass to a 9-3 overall record and an even 2-2 in Atlantic 10 conference play. Saint Joseph’s now stands at 5-4 overall and also holds a 2-2 conference record. The outcome was significant as both teams are contending for positions in the conference standings.
Junior Charles Kurtz led all scorers with five goals, marking a career high. Drunsic contributed two goals and two assists, while redshirt sophomore Dylan Johnson recorded three goals. Senior Brian Jackman added two goals, and juniors Michael Finnerty and Matthew Cargiulo each provided two assists. Defensively, senior Zach Auble caused two turnovers and collected three ground balls.
For Saint Joseph’s, Collin Campbell finished with three goals and one assist; Carter Truesdell had one goal and three assists; Ben Dutton posted three goals; Trae Ika logged two goals with an assist.
UMass took an early lead but saw it erased after the Hawks went on a run in the first quarter. Both teams continued to trade scores throughout the game until Drunsic broke the final tie late in the fourth quarter with his no-look shot over his shoulder past goalkeeper Charlie Giachetti. Kurtz added another goal shortly after to secure the win for UMass.
Saint Joseph’s ended with more shots (47) than UMass (41) but converted only one of five extra-man opportunities while UMass was scoreless on its single chance. Sophomore Owen Salanger made sixteen saves for UMass; Tommy Gross and Giachetti combined for ten saves for Saint Joseph’s.
UMass is scheduled to play its final home game of the season against Delaware next Saturday at Garber Field.
