Joe Suliman

WOOSTER, Ohio – The College of Wooster played a close first half with undefeated and No. 13 ranked Wittenberg University, but the Tigers put forth an impressive defensive effort during the second, keying an 11-3 victory in North Coast Athletic Conference men's lacrosse action under the lights Friday at John P. Papp Stadium.

Joe Suliman recorded a hat trick during the opening 20:35, scoring the game's first goal and then the first two of the second quarter to pull Wooster (4-8, 1-3 NCAC) within 4-3. Wittenberg (11-0, 4-0 NCAC) called a timeout after Suliman's third goal and regained the momentum with an extra-man score about three minutes later and another tally right before halftime for a 6-3 advantage.

The Tigers steadily pulled away during the second half, netting two goals within the first 5:52 of the third quarter en route to the final eight-goal margin.

Statistically, Wooster owned a significant advantage in face-offs, winning 14-of-17, including 10-of-13 that Matt Pullara took, and the number of shots for the teams was nearly even, with Wittenberg holding a narrow 32-29 edge. The difference was 18 Scot turnovers.

In net, Matt Magoon made eight saves for Wooster and Mark DeOliveira collected 10 in a winning effort.

Next, Wooster hosts Whittier College (3-6) on Easter Sunday at noon.