The Holy Cross men’s lacrosse team lost to Bucknell, 15-13, in a Patriot League game on April 18 at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium.
This result brings Bucknell’s record to 8-5 overall and 4-4 in the Patriot League. Holy Cross now stands at 6-7 overall and 2-5 in league play.
Freshman Aedan Cassidy and junior Sam McDonald scored early for Holy Cross, but Bucknell tied the game by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, both teams traded goals with freshmen Matthew Plunkett and Shane McDonnell, as well as juniors Bo Webster and Ryan Botek scoring for Holy Cross. Despite efforts from Botek opening the third period with a goal that cut into Bucknell’s lead, three consecutive goals by Bucknell widened their advantage. Webster added another goal before two more from Bucknell left Holy Cross trailing heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Holy Cross outscored Bucknell four to one with two more goals from Botek along with scores by Webster and freshman Caleb DaRocha. However, these efforts were not enough to overcome Bucknell’s lead.
Senior JR Long made four saves as starting goalkeeper while freshman Jack Durnan recorded two saves in relief. McDonnell led all players with fifteen faceoff wins—his ninth game this season reaching double digits—and sophomore Harry Attell contributed five wins on nine attempts as their duo combined for a .625 success rate at faceoffs. Senior Julian Jenkins picked up five ground balls and caused two turnovers; Botek’s five goals tied for most in the game.
Holy Cross will next play Boston University at Kuzniewski Field on Friday, April 24 at 6 p.m., which will be their final regular season game.
