Wolverines Pull Away Late to Defeat Columbia (SC), 11-6
Michigan-Dearborn closed out its weekend in North Carolina with authority, using a dominant fourth-quarter performance to pull away from Columbia (SC) and secure an 11-6 victory on Sunday afternoon at Pulliam Stadium.
MONTREAT, N.C. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn lacrosse team used a dominant fourth-quarter surge to break open a tight contest and secure an 11-6 win over Columbia (SC) on Sunday afternoon at Pulliam Stadium.
The Wolverines (2-2) found themselves locked in a back-and-forth battle early, jumping out to a 2-0 lead behind unassisted goals from Gabriel DeLaPaz and Reece Rath. Columbia responded with a pair of goals to even the score at 2-2 by the end of the first quarter.
Michigan-Dearborn regained control in the second, sparked by a balanced offensive effort. Jeremy Fancett and Rath each found the back of the net, while Shane Marion and Cole Rosenwald added goals to give the Wolverines a 6-4 halftime advantage.
Columbia refused to go away, opening the third quarter with two quick goals to tie the game at 6-6. However, Cooper Hallwood answered with a key goal late in the period—off a feed from Rath—to give Michigan-Dearborn a 7-6 edge heading into the final quarter.
From there, it was all Wolverines.
Michigan-Dearborn dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring Columbia 4-0, including a pair of man-up goals. Marion netted his second of the game, while Aidan Meyers and Fancett capitalized on extra-man opportunities. Brody Marlatt added the final tally to seal the 11-6 victory.
Rath and Fancett led the offensive charge with two goals each, while Marion also added a pair. Hallwood (1 goal, 1 assist), Rosenwald (1 goal, 1 assist), and DeLaPaz (1 goal, 1 assist) each contributed multi-point performances.
In goal, Daniel Acosta earned the win with 11 saves, anchoring a defensive effort that held Columbia scoreless over the final 15 minutes.
Michigan-Dearborn controlled possession throughout the contest, winning 13 of 20 faceoffs, led by Doc Reilly and Zachary Berwald. The Wolverines also capitalized on their opportunities, going a perfect 2-for-2 on man-up chances.
With the win, Michigan-Dearborn improves to 2-2 on the season and builds momentum heading into the next stretch of competition.
