NORTH ANDOVER, MA - The Iona University men's lacrosse team dropped an 11-10 decision at Merrimack in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at Duane Stadium. The Gaels cut the deficit to one with 4:11 remaining and had opportunities to find the equalizer in the closing minutes, but could not convert in the one-goal road setback. Freshman
Lleyton Hall scored three times, while sophomore
Vincent Pititto and sophomore
Jimmy Kennedy added three points apiece in the defeat.
THE RUNDOWN
The game remained tight throughout the opening three quarters, with neither side leading by more than one goal until late in the third. The teams combined for eight ties and three lead changes through the first 41 minutes before Merrimack created some separation.
After the Warriors scored with 5:10 left in the third quarter to move in front 9-8, they struck again one minute later to build the first two-goal advantage of the afternoon at 10-8.
The Maroon & Gold answered before the end of the period. With 2:05 remaining in the third, Hall finished a feed from Pititto to bring the visitors back within one heading into the fourth quarter. Merrimack restored its two-goal cushion with 10:00 to play, taking an 11-9 lead on the eventual game-winning tally. Iona refused to go away. Freshman
Carson Turissini scored his second goal of the contest with 4:11 left to cut the deficit to 11-10 and set up a frantic finish. Following a Merrimack turnover after the ensuing faceoff, the Gaels earned two chances to tie the game. The Warriors' goalkeeper turned away the first shot before the second sailed wide. The visitors had one final possession in the closing minute, but could not find the equalizer before time expired.
IONA PERFORMERS
- Lleyton Hall recorded his second hat trick in four appearances this season. The freshman finished with three goals, matching the season-high he first set in his collegiate debut against Manhattan.
- Vincent Pititto turned in his first multi-point performance of the year with a season-best three assists.
- Jimmy Kennedy matched his season high with three points on a goal and two assists. It marked the sophomore's eighth multi-point effort of the season.
- Carson Turissini scored twice for his team-leading 10th multi-point game in 13 contests. It was also his fifth game this season with at least two goals. His 10 games with multiple points match Cullen Lawry's team-leading total from a year ago.
- Cullen Lawry added a goal and an assist, recording the 19th multi-point game of his career and his ninth this season.
- Freshman Cole Gibstein won 10 of 22 faceoffs and collected seven ground balls, matching the program single-game record he shares with Cooper Metz.
- Metz picked up two ground balls and now shares the team lead with Gibstein at 41 on the season, extending the program's single-season mark. The sophomore also caused a career-high four turnovers and now sits two shy of the single-season record he established last season.
- Noah Perea made 16 saves while adding a ground ball and a caused turnover.
THE OPPONENT
- Alystair Hemburger led Merrimack with three goals, while Colin Kruger added two scores.
- Jack Salva paced the Warriors with four points on two goals and two assists. John Savino contributed a pair of assists.
- Jesse Dalonzo and Jaden Galfano split time in net and each made four saves. Galfano earned the victory after playing the second half.
- Cody Rehder finished with six ground balls and three caused turnovers.
TEAM STATS
- Merrimack held a 45-33 advantage in shots and a 30-22 edge in ground balls.
- The contest featured eight ties and three lead changes before the Warriors created separation late in the third quarter.
UP NEXT
The Gaels return to Mazzella Field next Saturday, April 4, when they host Siena in MAAC action. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. in New Rochelle.
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