UM-Dearborn Falls to Aquinas in WHAC Opener
The Wolverines take on preseason favorite Madonna on Saturday (Mar. 14).
DEARBORN, Mich. -- The University of Michigan-Dearborn lacrosse team opened conference play Wednesday evening but fell on the road to Aquinas, 19-9, in WHAC action.
Aquinas (5-0, 1-0 WHAC) jumped out to an early lead, scoring the first five goals of the contest and building a 7-2 advantage by the end of the opening quarter. Michigan-Dearborn (3-3, 0-1 WHAC) responded late in the period with goals from Jeremy Fancett and a man-up tally from Garrett Kern to stay within reach.
The Wolverines continued to battle in the second quarter, highlighted by a man-up goal from Aidan Meyers and an unassisted strike from Charlie Woodcock. Dylan Thorpe also found the net midway through the period, but Aquinas closed the half with three goals in the final minutes to take a 13-5 lead into the break.
Michigan-Dearborn showed resilience coming out of halftime. A man-up goal from Cole Rosenwald and back-to-back scores from Meyers and Thorpe helped the Wolverines keep pace during the third quarter. Reece Rath added a goal early in the fourth to give Michigan-Dearborn nine on the night.
Despite the offensive push, Aquinas controlled possession throughout much of the contest, holding significant advantages in shots (63-17), ground balls (59-34), and faceoff wins (24-6). Collin Wildman led the Saints with four goals and two assists, while TJ Murphy added three goals and an assist.
For the Wolverines, Meyers and Thorpe each recorded two goals, while Fancett, Kern, Rosenwald, Woodcock, and Rath each added a goal. Owen Reed made 17 saves in net for Michigan-Dearborn.
Michigan-Dearborn capitalized on several extra-man opportunities, converting three of its eight man-up chances.
