Wooster Drops Final Game in Florida

DAVENPORT, Florida – The College of Wooster men's lacrosse team could not replicate Wednesday's success against undefeated teams, as Clarkson University beat the Fighting Scots 19-2 in the team's Florida finale on Friday afternoon at Polk County's Northeast Regional Park.

Sophomore Paul Chandler followed his career-high 24 saves with 15 more, and his play in goal enabled Wooster (2-4) to settle in for a strong second period after Clarkson (6-0) opened a 6-1 lead in the first. Ten of Chandler's stops came in the first half, with five each in the first and second periods. Clarkson, one of 22 remaining undefeated teams in Div. III, found its groove after halftime, outscoring Wooster 11-0 over the third and fourth periods.

Despite several heavy rides and relentless pressure all game long by Clarkson, Wooster did find success getting the ball into the offensive end, evidenced by a 20-for-24 mark on clear attempts. However, a 19-of-22 showing by Clarkson on faceoffs gave the Golden Knights numerous extra possessions.

Senior Ben Kennedy found sophomore Ben Byars open on the backside of the goal with 7:39 left in the first, while sophomore Vinny DiLeo connected with first-year Will Fink on a player-up opportunity in the second for the Scots' goals.

Clarkson had just 15 turnovers, and coupled with 64 shots, caused turnover situations were at a premium for Wooster. The Scots did mange four, with those coming from sophomore Jimmy Fisher, first-year Bill Holtzer, first-year Anderson Macdonald, and first-year Grant Rivera.

Sebastian Geiger scored five goals to lead Clarkson. Thomas Fiebich was in a giving mood, passing out six assists. Matthew Hansen, who went 16-of-19 on faceoffs, scooped up nine groundballs.

Thanks to its faceoff success, Clarkson finished with a 41-17 edge on groundballs.

Next, Wooster returns home to take on University of Mount Union (3-1) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23.