Wooster Edges Witt 9-8 Behind Strong Fourth Quarter

WOOSTER, Ohio – The College of Wooster won the fourth quarter and the game, as it was tied with archrival Wittenberg University 7-7 entering the final 15 minutes, then scored twice just 1:14 apart and held on late for a 9-8 victory in a North Coast Athletic Conference men's lacrosse affair under the lights Friday at John P. Papp Stadium.

Wittenberg (4-3, 0-2 NCAC) got the better of Wooster (4-3, 1-1 NCAC) during the third period in overcoming a 5-3 halftime deficit and evening the score at seven.

After losing the opening face-off of the fourth, a rarity as Max Rubin gave the Scots a big advantage by winning 15-of-21 for the game, they controlled the majority of the possession throughout the quarter. Wooster's possession eventually paid off in the form of a Harry Kemp-to-Tom Herold goal for an 8-7 lead with 9:43 left. Shortly thereafter, a failed clear attempt by the Tigers led to a transition opportunity, with Nate Weltman scooping up the groundball, finding Kemp down field, and Kemp doing the rest as the freshman standout netted an unassisted score for a two-goal cushion.

Wittenberg had some chances during the last 8:29 of regulation, but was unable to pull within one until just :10 remained. Rubin won the ensuing face-off, with Sean Hohan controlling the groundball to seal the outcome. It marked the second year in a row the two rivals' game has been decided by a single goal.

Wooster jumped on top early, accounting for four of the first five scores. It was 4-2 after the first 15 minutes, and following a defensive-oriented second quarter, 5-3.

The Tigers scored three quick goals to begin the second half for their first lead (6-5), but it only lasted eight seconds as Rubin won the next face-off and scored himself. The squads exchanged one more goal before the close of the third to set up the exciting fourth quarter.

Herold, Kemp, and Matt Ranck scored two goals apiece for the Scots, and Kemp and Ranck recorded single assists as well. Also notable, PJ Dallman tallied one goal and one assist, while defensively, Matt Magoon had 10 saves in goal and Andrew Holmes was credited with three caused turnovers.

For Wittenberg, Andrew Fuss and Alex Previte each connected on two goals.

Wooster will be home again on Wednesday when it hosts Otterbein University (4-3) at 7 p.m.