CLINTON, S.C. - After heading into halftime tied at 5-5, the Manhattan College men's lacrosse team (2-3) erupted for six goals in the third quarter and outscored Presbyterian 7-2 in the second half en route to a 12-7 victory over the Blue Hose (1-5) at Old Bailey Stadium on Monday afternoon. James Synowiez (Owego, N.Y.) had three goals and four points to lead the Jaspers.
Manhattan jumped in front 2-0 on early goals by Sal Perrotto (Garnerville, N.Y.) and Synowiez, and the Jaspers held a 3-2 advantage after the first quarter. Kelly Mahon (Spring Lake, N.J.) scored 36 seconds into the second quarter, then Erich Smith (St. Louis, Mo.) found the back of the net midway through the period to increase the lead to 5-2. However, Presbyterian scored three times in the final 5:22 to send the contest into the locker room deadlocked at 5-5.
The Jaspers won the second half faceoff, and Justin Jensen (Bay Shore, N.Y.) took it down and scored seven seconds later to put Manhattan back in front. Jensen's goal sparked a six-goal rally that gave the Jaspers an 11-5 lead. Tyler Sabens (Falmouth, Mass.) capped the spurt with a goal less than a minute into the fourth quarter. Presbyterian finally snapped the Manhattan rally on Sean Mulford's goal with 8:20 remaining. The Blue Hose added a final tally 21 seconds later, as the Jaspers held on for a 12-7 triumph.
Synowiez recorded his third hat trick of the season and also collected two ground balls. Joe Variano (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.) (two goals, one assist) and Jensen (one goal, two assists) each added three points. Chace Calkin (Englewood, Colo.) tallied a goal to go along with his team-high six ground balls, while Kyle Moeller (South Setauket, N.Y.), who was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Defensive Player of the Week earlier on Monday, posted four ground balls and three caused turnovers. Jon Fiorillo (Painted Post, N.Y.) (2-1) earned the win in net after making 12 saves and giving up seven goals.
Seven different Blue Hose scored a goal, while Mulford and Ben Ewing each added an assist to complete a two-point day. Jon Athens tallied a game-high eight ground balls, as Presbyterian held a 38-37 edge on the ground. Athens (1-5) made 14 saves and surrendered 12 goals.
Manhattan begins its MAAC schedule on Saturday, when conference newcomer Detroit (0-5) heads to Gaelic Park for a 1 p.m. showdown.