Redhawks Climb to Top of AMCC With Victory Over Franciscan

Redhawks Climb to Top of AMCC With Victory Over Franciscan

STEUBENVILLE, OH -- The La Roche College men's lacrosse team picked up a big win, taking the road to defeat Franciscan 16-13 on Wednesday evening. The Redhawks climb to the top of the AMCC Conference at 1-0.

La Roche and Franciscan traded goals early, but the Redhawks used five straight second quarter scores to enter halftime with a 9-5 lead. Brent Burkhouse broke the 4-4 tie with an unassisted goal at the 4:59 mark of the second quarter. Zach Opalko scored just 22 seconds later, while Burkhouse followed with three straight unassisted tallies.

The Redhawks continued to light up the net in the second half. John Aiello buried a Burkhouse feed to take a five goal lead. Devin Wolford then got La Roche back to a five goal lead following a Franciscan score.

The Barons rallied for three straight goals to put pressure on La Roche down the stretch. The Redhawks responded scoring five of the next six goals and a commanding 16-10 lead with 4:50 left in regulation. Jake Podsiadly sparked the run with a pair of goals. Burkhouse, Nick Sylvis, and Shawn McDanel then followed a Franciscan score with three straight goals.

Franciscan registered three late goals, but the Redhawks went on to earn the big victory.

AMCC Offensive Player of the Week Burkhouse scored 5 goals and added an assist. Podsiadly recorded a hat trick while Nick Sylvis had 2 goals and an assist. McDanel and Opalko each scored twice and Wolford had a goal and an assist.

McDanel had a season-high 15 ground balls and forced a team-high 5 turnovers. Franciscan attempted more shots, but AMCC Defensive Player of the Week Chris Sylvis turned aside 15 shots. The Redhawks were successful on 16 of 20 clears.