Men's Lacrosse: Early surge enough for #16 'Hounds to thump Towson

On their home turf at Diane Geppi-Aikens Field Loyola outscored Towson 4-0 in the first quarter and never looked back as they defeated the Tigers 11-8 yesterday afternoon.

For the second consecutive game Jr. A Collin Finnerty was on top of his game and most importantly, on target, as he netted 4 goals and an assist leaving him with 10 points through Loyola’s first two contests. He has led a Greyhound offense that has really looked crisp in the young season, putting in 9 against Notre Dame last week and 9 in the first 3 quarters against Towson before putting it on cruise control in the 4th.

The best part about the offense’s precision is that they will regain their leader and most experienced attackman, Shane Koppens, when they commence ECAC play next weekend at Penn State. He led the team in points last season, but after being granted a fifth season by the NCAA, the same governing body ruled him ineligible to play in Loyola’s first two games this season.

In his absence it was very encouraging to see So A Matty Langan playing Koppens’ spot behind the net and flourishing. His exceptional quickness has kept outside poles on their heels in the first two games, and in the process picked up a pair of goals to go along with a pair of helpers.

Of course there’s a lot to be pleased with for Coach Toomey after a dominating performance in a Baltimore rivalry game… John Schiavone went 11-22 on faceoffs against the Tigers highly touted Mitchell Rosensweig, Jake Hagelin continued his stellar play in the pipes with 13 stops, and led by LSM P.T. Ricci and D-middie Taylor Ebsary’s 8 ground balls apiece, Loyola out-hustled Towson and grabbed 8 more loose balls.

In addition to Finnerty’s 4 goals, Langan had 2, Cooper MacDonnell 1, Mike Sawyer 1, Eric Lusby 1, Jimmy Daly 1, and Loyola was credited with a Team Goal after Towson G Rob Wheeler mishandled a ball and scored in his own net. Assists for the ‘Hounds were registered by Finnerty, Langan, MacDonnell, Sawyer, and Schiavone all picking up 1.

As mentioned above Loyola’s next game is at Penn State Saturday February, 21 at 1pm, WNST, will have the coverage as the Greyhounds will begin their ECAC title defense in Happy Valley. It’ll be the first of three road games for the 1-1 ‘Hounds. Next Tuesday they will take on Siena in Albany before a February 28th trip to Durham, NC to take on the Duke.

If Loyola can take care of business up north against the Nittany Lions and Saints, a nice 4-0 record would be a great full head of steam going in to take on the Blue Devils.