Garden City, N.Y.- In another early season test, the no. 5 Adelphi University men's lacrosse program notched a victory on its home turf against no. 9 Mercy University with an overtime game-winner from senior Logan Tucker.
With heavy rain and wind settling over Motamed Field for a majority of the contest, Tucker proved to be the spark the Panther's needed, in the top-10 battle.
The Mavericks (4-1) opened the scoring just 28 seconds into the game with a goal from Greg Gibbons, which started what resulted in a four-goal quarter for the visiting team.
Senior Eamon Hall got the Panthers on the board in the first quarter, yet the Panthers dug themselves a three goal deficit after the opening15 minutes of play. After a man-up goal from Mercy's Devon Duchnowski, the Mavs were in control of the game until Tucker's first goal of the contest just under 4 minutes into the second frame.
The 'Cats responded with an 8-0 run that spanned into the third quarter Tucker scored two goals, and freshman Braden Donnellan notched his first collegiate goal and assist leading Adelphi to 8-5 advantage at the halfway mark.
The second half scoring was started by sophomore Ryan Bauco, tying the games largest lead at four. After a barrage of penalties against the visitors, the Mavericks were able to beat senior net-minder Dylan Renner ending a 20 minutes scoreless drought for the visiting team.
A second tally from Andrew Calabria within two minutes remaining shifted the momentum to the Mavs. At the start of the fourth quarter, the Brown and Gold were grasping onto a one goal lead. Kyle Lewis's goal at 13:09 gave the home team a two goal cushion, with 13:09 left in regulation. A pair of Duchnowski goals tied the game at 11-all, with Mercy looking to complete the upset.
The 'Cats went ahead courtesy of a goal via a Brian Harinsk goal and an Eamon Hall assist, giving the Panthers a lead with just over 4 minutes to go. Less than a minute later, TJ Heyder knotted the game for the last time at 12 a piece as the frame came to a close
After a costly turnover in their offensive zone, the Mavs returned possession to the Panthers with just over two minutes left in the overtime period. Tucker delivered the game winning strike en route to a five-point day, scoring four goals.
In just its third meeting all-time, the Panthers now hold a 2-1 advantage against Mercy, and hand the Mavericks their first loss of the 2024 campaign.
The Panthers are back in action on Wednesday, Mar. 6 as they take on Long Island rival Molloy University in Rockville Centre at 7:00 p.m. Students are encouraged to attend via the Road Warriors collaboration with the Office of Residential Life which features a pizza party, free t-shirt and bus to the game. Visit MyAULife for more information.
