March 9, 2011

Box Score

Brookhaven, N.Y. - The Adelphi University men's lacrosse team traveled to take on former ECC-rival Dowling College this afternoon. The Golden Lions took a 9-3 halftime lead to hold on for the 13-10 victory. Dowling improves to 4-0, while Adelphi starts the season at 0-1.

For the Panthers, graduate student Tommy Susko scored a game-best five goals, while junior Joe Vitale scored a goal and handed out three helpers. Junior Eric Janssen set aside 16 shots in net.

The first period was all Dowling as the Golden Lions scored five unanswered goals in the first 12 minutes. In the five-goal span John Amato scored a goal and added an assist.

The Panthers would open the second period with two early scores from Susko which were both assisted by Vitale, but Adelphi still trailed 6-2. Vitale would then set up junior Bryan Hall for a score, only to have the Golden Lions end the period with two goals and take a 9-3 halftime lead.

Adelphi came out aggressive in the third period and out-scored the Golden Lions 5-1 to cut the deficit to 10-8. Susko scored two of the five Panther goals, while Vitale, sophomore Michael Rossi, and junior Kieran Riegel each added a score.

Dowling would re-gain a comfortable lead to start the final period as they scored three straight goals. Susko and Riegel would add two late goals for the Panthers but it wasn't nearly enough as Dowling held on for the victory.

For the Golden Lions, Vito Demola led the way with three goals and one assist, and Kevin Sabo also found the back of the net three times. Ryan Dougherty recorded a game-high 19 saves in the win.

The Panthers return to action on Sunday, March 13 when they take on Notre Dame De Namur at 10:00 a.m. ET in Belmont, California.