PITTSBURGH, PA -- The La Roche College men's lacrosse team put together a solid road effort, but ultimately fell in their season opener at Marietta 14-7. The Redhawks' first home match is Wednesday against W&J.
Jake Podsiadly scored his first collegiate goal to give the Redhawks an early one goal lead. Goalie Chris Sylvis followed with two straight saves but Marietta tied it at the 9:49 mark of the first quarter. The Pioneers followed with three more goals, but Shawn McDanel beat the buzzer for a 4-2 game at the end of the opening period.
Marietta got a goal back early in the second quarter. Chris Sylvis continued to push shots aside with seven second quarter saves. The Redhawk defense stepped up with a pair of blocked shots and McDanel netted one before the horn for a 6-3 halftime deficit.
The Pioneers tallied the opening goal of the second half. Nick Sylvis answered less than two minutes later for his first career tally and a three goal deficit. Chris Sylvis continued to push aside shots and McDanel and Devin Wolford followed with goals just seconds apart to make it a one goal game.
Nick Sylvis found the equalizer at 7-7, but Marietta responded with seven straight goals and the Pioneers earned the victory.
McDanel registered a hat trick and went 11-9 in the faceoff circle. Nick Sylvis scored twice and Wolford had a goal and an assist.
Podsiadly and Charlie King each forced two turnovers. Chris Sylvis made 17 saves.