VICTOR, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher University men's lacrosse team overcame an early four-goal deficit and held off a late push to secure a 12-11 victory over Ithaca College on Saturday afternoon at the Pinnacle Athletic Campus. With the win, the Cardinals improved to 2-0 on the season.
How It Happened
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Ithaca came out strong, building a 6-2 lead with 10 minutes left in the second period. However, Fisher responded with six goals before the half, flipping the momentum and tying the game at eight before halftime.
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The Cardinals carried that energy into the third quarter, as Sean Donaldson and Jordan Leuze each scored to put Fisher up 10-8 heading into the final frame.
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Ethan Kesselring completed his hat trick early in the fourth, giving Fisher an 11-8 lead, but Ithaca battled back with two quick goals to make it a one-goal game. Brady Mason's goal at the 9:12 mark proved to be the difference, as Fisher's defense locked down in the final minutes to preserve the victory.
Game Notes
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Kesselring led the Cardinals with a hat trick, scoring three goals, including a key fourth-quarter tally.
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Leuze recorded two goals and two assists, playing a major role in the comeback.
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JP Revitte and Nick Hauman each scored twice. Hauman has scored multiple goals in both of Fisher's games to start the season.
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Donaldson, Mason and Braeden McNeill all found the back of the net. Donaldson and McNeill also had an assist apiece.
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Goalkeeper Tyler Manning made 12 saves, seven of which were in the second half, including key stops in the final minutes to protect Fisher's lead.
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Fisher outshot Ithaca 45-36, with a 14-7 edge in the third quarter that helped shift momentum.
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The Cardinals went 25-for-26 on clears.
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Despite struggling at the faceoff X (6-for-27), Fisher found ways to control possession by way of causing seven turnovers and pressuring Ithaca into 12 additional giveaways.
Up Next
The Cardinals have their first road test of the season against St. Lawrence University at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28.
