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DeSantis Goal Helps Princeton Sprint Past Rutgers
March 13, 2007 | Men's Lacrosse
The Princeton men's lacrosse team continues to put up shots at a rapid pace. Unlike the previous two heartbreakers that Princeton lost, the shots resulted in a win Tuesday night.
Princeton unloaded 45 more shots during a 15-8 win over Rutgers in front of 1,418 at Yurcak Field in the 84th meeting between the rivals in a series that dates to 1888. Princeton and Rutgers have played every year since 1937 except the World War II-shortened seasons of 1944 and 1945, and the Tigers increased their series lead to 53-29-3.
Princeton also rebounded from back-to-back 7-6 losses, one in double overtime to Johns Hopkins and one on a goal with 25.4 seconds left three days earlier against Virginia. The win squared the Tigers' record at 2-2 heading into Saturday's game at Hofstra, while RU fell to 1-3.
"It was good to get out and play again and get a win," said Tiger coach Bill Tierney. "It was good to score some goals. I thought our offense was very good."
Princeton's 45 shots raised the Tiger average to 44.5 shots per game through four games. The Tigers averaged 35.2 shots per game a year ago and 32.4 shots per game in 2005.
The up-tempo Tigers hit their stride in the fourth quarter at a most opportune time. Princeton never trailed in the game, but RU managed to cut it to two at 8-6 with a pair of goals to start the fourth quarter. Mike DeSantis won the next face-off and then raced down the side and fired it into the goal, building it back to a three-goal edge just 15 seaconds after the Scarlet Knights had scored. It was the first goal of the career for the senior face-off specialist.
"We have a lot of guys who can score," DeSantis said. "Anyone can step up at any time. Our defense has done such a great job. It was great for us to help carry the load."
DeSantis' goal sparked a game-clinching 4-0 run for the Tigers, who picked up goals by Zack Goldberg in transition and then Rich Sgalardi and Bob Schneider to open up a six-goal lead.
Mark Kovler scored three goals for Princeton, while Peter Trombino added two goals and an assist. Scott Sowanick had a goal and assisted on all three Kovler goals to move past the 100-point mark for his career.
DeSantis, who entered the game with one career point, added an assist as well on Josh Lesko's goal as Lesko improved his streak of consecutive games with at least one goal to nine. Defender Charlie Kolkin scored his first goal for Princeton, whlie shortstick defensive midfielder Derek Sudan had his first career point with an assist. In fact Princeton had several transition goals, as Goldberg had an assist on Kolkin's goal and Dan Cocoziello assisted on a goal by Trombino.
Princeton had allowed exactly seven goals in each of its first three games before giving up eight to Rutgers. Zachary Jungers held Rutgers leading scorer Colin Checcio scoreless until the final three minutes, when Checcio scored a goal. Justin Pennington had two goals for the Scarlet Knights.
Alex Hewit made 10 saves for Princeton. Peter Pantages made 16 for RU in his first start.