Wooster’s 2016 Campaign Comes To an End With Postseason Loss to No. 6 Denison

Two weeks ago, The College of Wooster played No. 6 ranked Denison University tough in a 9-6 defensive struggle, but on Wednesday, the Fighting Scots were unable to contain the Big Red's explosive attack during a 17-8 loss in North Coast Athletic Conference Men's Lacrosse Tournament semifinal action at Piper Stadium in Granville, Ohio.

Still, it was a successful season for a relatively young Wooster squad, coached by P.J. Kavanagh in his second year. The Scots started out 7-2, including an overtime win on the road over a strong program in Swarthmore College as well as victories against the top-two Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association teams in Albion College and Alma College. Later, they beat archrival Wittenberg University 13-9 to qualify for the NCAC's postseason tourney for the first time since 2013 and finished with a winning record of 10-7.

On Wednesday, a red-hot James Meager of Denison (15-1) set the tone as the senior midfielder netted five goals during the first half, including the first four of the second quarter.

By that time it was 9-1, with Wooster's lone tally coming from an unlikely source – freshman defender Ethan Scully. The Scots gained a little momentum towards the end of the half when Nate Weltman finished a feed from Josh Herold with just :04 showing on the clock.

Wooster played the Big Red even throughout the second half, which started with Matt Parmelee and Ian Brim sandwiching goals around one by the hosts.

The Scots also began the fourth quarter well, as Brim, Dan Gorzynski, and Alexander Bloom all netted goals to cut the margin to 15-7 with 12:24 to play, but that was as close as they got.

Herold, who completed the scoring, paced Wooster's offense with three points (1 goal, 2 assists).

Defensively, Jack Gilio stood out as usual getting credit for eight groundballs, Scully produced four caused turnovers, and Aaron Levy made 11 saves.

On Saturday, Gilio and Scully were named to the NCAC All-Tournament team at the conclusion of the championship game.