WOOSTER, Ohio – Last year, The College of Wooster men's lacrosse team finished third nationally with 14.88 caused turnovers per game, and the Fighting Scots opened 2024 right there, causing 17 turnovers in Wednesday's 14-10 win over Otterbein University at John P. Papp Stadium.
While statistically not a NCAA-defined caused turnover, Wooster's (1-0) biggest one arguably came midway through the second stanza. Wooster forced an Otterbein (0-2) shot clock violation while playing two Scots down due to penalties. Wooster held Otterbein to two shot attempts during the 80-second stand, and both went well wide of goal.
Just over 4:30 later, senior Ben Byars beat Otterbein 'keeper Luke Farthing to grow the lead to 6-2 with 2:57 on the clock before halftime. Wooster's advantage extended to 7-2 when sophomore Lane Kellogg fed Byars to open the second-half scoring. Prior to the goal, senior preseason All-American Casey Steffen caused one of his eight turnovers and scooped up one of four groundballs on the night.
Wooster's lead hit 10-4 at the third stanza's 7:25 mark, and once again defense led to scoring for the Scots. Steffen forced a turnover on Otterbein's Jack Regruth, and senior goalkeeper Paul Chandler collected the groundball. At the other end, senior Shane Epstein-Petrullo's scored following a drive to the goal.
The second period is where Wooster gained separation from Otterbein, as the Scots outscored the Cardinals 3-0 and forced the opposition into seven turnovers. Junior Rory Zahren and Kellogg scored prior to Byars' goal. Nichols' first-period score with 5:36 remaining was the go-ahead tally.
Kellogg powered the offense with seven points, one off a career high. Kellogg's four goals tied the most in the sophomore's career. Overall, Wooster's 14 goals were spread among eight Scots. Byars, senior Vinny DiLeo, and Zahren were the others with multi-goal nights.
Steffen's eight caused turnovers marked his sixth game with at least six. The eight are tied for the senior's second-most in a game, trailing just the single-game program-record 12 he had against Wittenberg University last season. Of note, Steffen's caused turnovers are tied for the most in a Div. III game this spring. Junior Silas Richard was among the other playmakers on defense, finishing with two caused turnovers. Senior Henry McMahon's five groundballs led Wooster, while Steffen was one of three Scots with four. Chandler made 10 saves in goal.
Max Graham scored three goals to lead Otterbein. Sam Becker's 9-for-11 showing on faceoffs helped Otterbein to a 16-10 advantage. Alex Glackin was the lead defender, finishing with three caused turnovers.
Wooster outshot Otterbein 46-41. Wooster held a slight 33-31 edge on groundballs, while the Cardinals finished with 24 turnovers to 18 for the Scots.
Next, Wooster hosts Saint Vincent College (Pennsylvania) (0-1) at noon on Saturday, Feb. 23. The game is the program's faculty appreciation game.