Wooster Extends Record Start with 8-5 Win Over DePauw

photo courtesy of Charlie Lengal III

GREENCASTLE, Ind. - The College of Wooster men's lacrosse team extended its program-record winning streak to 11 games with an 8-5 victory over DePauw University on Saturday afternoon at Reavis Stadium.

Heading into Saturday's action, Wooster (11-0, 2-0 North Coast Athletic Conference) was one of only six remaining unbeaten teams in NCAA Div. III and its perfect record was on the line late in the game. DePauw (5-4, 0-1 NCAC) tied the game at 5-5 early in the fourth quarter before the Scots used a 3-0 run to close out the game and secure the victory.

Junior Vinny DiLeo led the way with a four-goal showing, including the final two scores of the afternoon to help Wooster pull away. DiLeo also grabbed a team-high-tying four groundballs. First-year Lane Kellogg scored a goal and dished out two assists while first-year Luke Budd added a goal and an assist.

It took both offenses a little while to settle in; however, DePauw got on the scoreboard first for its only lead of the game. The Fighting Scots answered back with goals from Kellogg and sophomore Colton Beaudoin to take a 2-1 lead after one period.

The second quarter's action occurred early as Kellogg and Budd connected for a goal at the 12:28 mark, but the Tigers responded just over two minutes later to stay within one goal of Wooster at the intermission.

DiLeo scored his first two goals of the game to start the third quarter and create some separation for the Scots. However, DePauw went on a 3-0 run that spanned the final two periods to tie the game at 5-5 with 13:27 remaining. Budd dished over to sophomore Rory Zahren to help break the tie for good, while DiLeo capped off the scoring with his final two goals.

Junior Paul Chandler recorded the win and double-digit saves for the fifth consecutive game, making 11 stops in between the pipes. Junior Casey Steffen, who continues to lead Div. III in caused turnovers per game, finished with four, while senior Mason Poisson backed that up with three.

The Scots return to action on Wednesday, April 5, when they host 12th-ranked Denison University (7-1, 1-0 NCAC) at 8 p.m. at Wooster High School.