Jake Bernard

WOOSTER, Ohio – Jake Bernard scored with 28 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime and newcomer Pat McKay delivered the game-winner in the second extra period, as The College of Wooster men's lacrosse team edged out John Carroll University 8-7 in what was a dramatic conclusion to Wednesday's closely-contested match-up between northeast Ohio schools at a chilly John P. Papp Stadium.

The Fighting Scots (2-0) and the Blue Streaks (2-1) combined to score just seven goals over the first three quarters of play, with John Carroll ahead 4-3, but the pace picked up in the fourth quarter, as seven more goals were scored, including Bernard's equalizer on an assist from McKay that knotted the score at 7-7.

John Carroll had the best shot attempt during the initial four-minute overtime, but Matt Magoon made a save on a hard shot that came in around shoulder level to deny the Blue Streaks of the golden goal.

The second overtime session was all Wooster, though, as Max Rubin won the face-off at the onset and the Scots controlled the ball at the attacking end. First, Evan Albertson fired off a shot that was a bit high, and then shortly after, Tom Herold located McKay in front of the net for a quick flick that gave Wooster the victory.

The biggest advantage for either team during the contest was when John Carroll scored with 23 seconds to go in the first quarter to take a 3-1 lead, but that margin was short lived. Wooster pumped in a goal with just three seconds to spare in the quarter, when McKay located Nate Weltman at the cage, and then Albertson beat the 'keeper from about 15 yards out early in the second stanza to tie the game at 3-3.

Wooster had the edge across the stat sheet, most noticeably in groundballs, where it doubled John Carroll's output 40-20. The Blue Streaks took 10 less shots (33-23), but made them count, including one goal that came on an extra-man opportunity.

The game's hero, McKay, paced Wooster with two goals and two assists, while Weltman also scored twice and dished out an assist. Albertson (1 goal, 1 assist), Bernard (2 goals), and Tom Herold (1 goal, 1 assist) each chipped in two points, and Josh Herold dished out his third assist of the young season.

On the defensive side of the ball, Magoon made 10 saves in goal and Patrick Edson forced four turnovers.

Wooster will begin the North Coast Athletic Conference portion of its schedule on Sunday when it hosts nationally-ranked Denison University (3-0) at 1 p.m.