Lacrosse Defeated by Sacred Heart, 14-12

FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The Manhattan men's lacrosse team fell to Sacred Heart on the road this afternoon, 14-12, dropping its first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) game of the season.
 
Sacred Heart (4-4, 2-0 MAAC) jumped out to a 3-0 lead to start the first half, before Manhattan's James Basile scored in the sixth minute of the game. Goals were traded back and fourth with the home team having a 5-3 advantage after the first period. 
 
The Jaspers (1-6, 1-1 MAAC) came out of the short intermission, tallying goals for Scott Connor and a pair by Gucwa to take their first lead of the day at 6-5, with 6:02 on the clock in the second. Two goals by Sacred Heart and another goal by Gucwa saw the game tied at 7-7 at halftime.
 
Just like the second period, Manhattan started with a trio of goals to put on paper its largest lead of the game at 10-7 with 7:15 remaining in the third period. 
 
At the end of three, Manhattan held the 12-10 edge heading into the final 15 minutes. Unfortunately, the Pioneers found a renewed burst of energy and managed to squeak out four goals in the final period while holding the Jaspers scoreless to secure the win over the visitors.
 
Eight total Jaspers scored a goal this afternoon. Gucwa finished with a team-high four goals scored, in addition to having one assist and one ground ball. James Basile led the way in assists with three.
 
Michael Schafer and Matthew Scully both tallied a pair of caused turnovers. Connor Hapward made 16 saves.
 
Sacred Heart held the edge in shots 47-38 and ground balls, 31-25.
 
Manhattan is back in action on Saturday, March 23 at Canisius. The game is set for 12 p.m. in Buffalo. The Griffins are 2-6 overall and 0-2 in the MAAC.