Wittenberg Closes Out Wooster in Back-and-Forth Contest, 13-10

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- Big runs went both ways in Saturday's men's lacrosse game between The College of Wooster and Wittenberg University, but it was the game's last that gave the Tigers a 13-10 win over the Scots.

Midway in the fourth period the two teams saw ties at 8-8, 9-9 and 10-10. Ben Byars broke the first tie to give Wooster the 9-8 lead. Wooster then had to force the tie after two goals from Wittenberg, and they did just that when Ted Wells assisted on a goal from Vinny DiLeo.

However, Wittenberg recaptured the lead at 11-10 with about four minutes to go with a goal from Andrew Ellis. The Tigers then piled onto that lead for good with two more goals to leave with a 13-10 victory.

Wooster enjoyed most of the first period with a 1-0 lead behind an early goal from Ben Kennedy. Yet, Wittenberg used the final five minutes of the period to start a 5-0 run that gave them a 3-1 lead after one period.

Wooster then scored the next seven goals. They erased a four-goal deficit and took a 7-5 lead at halftime.

Byars, Wells and DiLeo all scored in that span, but it was Connor Mangan who led the assault, with four goals including the final three of that span.

Wooster had an 8-5 lead early in the third, but Wittenberg took advantage of a man-up opportunity to make it 8-6. That sparked a 3-0 run that led to the first 8-8 tie early in the fourth.

Mangan's four goals led the Scots, while Lucas Klever's four goals led the Tigers. DiLeo and Byars each scored twice for Wooster.

Wittenberg outshot the Scots 37-34. Wooster collected 28 ground balls and 12 caused turnovers, while Wittenberg had 23 ground balls and eight caused turnovers.

Jimmy Fisher led Wooster with seven ground balls. He was also 11-for-21 in face offs. Adam Meyer took the loss in net and made seven saves.

Wittenberg moves to 1-2 on the year, while Wooster drops to 0-1. The Scots travel to Hiram next on Wednesday.