Scots’ Offense Is Explosive Early and Late in 15-7 Win Over Aurora

WOOSTER, Ohio – An early five-goal explosion and a similar scoring flurry late paved the way for The College of Wooster men's lacrosse team's 15-7 victory over Aurora University Saturday afternoon on Andrew Turf Field at John P. Papp Stadium.

Not only did the game mark Wooster's (2-1) 2015 home opener, it was the official debut for first-year head coach P.J. Kavanagh, who was recently hired.

With Kavanagh at the helm, the Fighting Scots showcased an offense that was more aggressive than in the past, especially in the transition game, and it paid dividends early. After Aurora (1-4) scored less than a minute into the action, Max Rubin won the ensuing face-off and took it himself down the field for a goal just six seconds later. That was the first of a quick five-goal run, featuring two Nate Weltman tallies, as it was 5-1 just 4:13 after Rubin's initial score.

The Spartans pulled their starting 'keeper and settled back into the game, pulling within two, then Tom Herold notched an unassisted goal right before the end of the first quarter to make it 6-3.

The story of the second quarter was Wooster's man-down unit, as it killed three penalties without allowing a goal. Also, the Scots gained an 8-3 cushion, however, Aurora connected twice during the last 1:40, which put the score at 8-5 at halftime.

During a low-scoring third quarter, Wooster edged out to a 10-6 advantage, and late in the fourth, the hosts sealed the outcome with a 4-1 run, with the five goals coming in just a 2:22 time period.

The Scots' attack was very balanced. Eight different players scored goals, led by Pat McKay's hat trick, while Herold finished with a two-goal, four-assist outing. Others netting two goals were Ian Brim, Pat Henderson, Josh Herold, and Weltman.

Continuing to play very well in goal for Wooster was Ben Grombala, as the senior and first-year starter registered a career-high 16 saves.

Next, the Scots head to Centre College (2-2) on Wednesday.