Scots’ Undefeated Run Halted by No. 5 Denison

WOOSTER, Ohio – In a battle of undefeated men's lacrosse teams, The College of Wooster and No. 5 ranked Denison University played a pretty even game statistically, but the Big Red took better advantage of its scoring opportunities as they walked away from John P. Papp Stadium with a 9-3 North Coast Athletic Conference win on an unseasonably cold Wednesday night.

Each team won seven face-offs and finished with 26 groundballs, while committing a similar number of turnovers, 19 by Wooster (7-1, 0-1 NCAC) and 17 for Denison (8-0, 1-0 NCAC). The Big Red owned a slight edge in the shot department at 27-18, with their efficiency on the offensive end being the difference, especially early on.

Denison scored on four of its 10 shots during the first quarter. Three of the goals came in the last four minutes of the period, as did the Scots' initial score, a Jake Bernard goal from up top, assisted by Evan Albertson.

The second 15 minutes saw the Big Red extend the lead to 7-1, netting three goals on their four attempts of the quarter.

The Scots played an even second half, splitting four goals with their nationally-ranked opponent. Freshman Josh Herold was part of both of them, finishing a nice transition feed from PJ Dallman and later assisting a CJ Polak tally.

Another bright spot for Wooster was the play of long-stick Patrick Edson, who was credited with three groundballs and three caused turnovers, and 'keeper Matt Magoon registered eight saves during the second half to boost his game total to 11.

Denison's Luke Walsh led all players with five goals and he assisted on another, and the visitor's goalie, Chris Thomas, came up with 10 saves.

The Scots continue conference play on Saturday afternoon with a visit to rival Wittenberg University (5-2, 0-1 NCAC).