By Marisa Ingemi
BU News Service
The Boston University men’s lacrosse team lost for the first time this season on Saturday afternoon when they were defeated by the Hartford Hawks, 16-10, at Nickerson Field. It was the first time BU had surrendered more than ten goals in a game all season. It was Hartford’s first game of the season.
The Terriers were without their leading scorers from last season, Cal Dearth and Ryan Hillburn, and the team struggled to score throughout. They fell behind 3-0 in the first quarter and never were able to rebound. Hartford’s defense was strong all game in holding down the BU offense, where its traditional scorers struggled to produce offense.
The team’s leading scorer, James Burr, was held off the scoresheet until late into the second half and he scored just once after averaging more than three goals per game. Jack Wilson, who was tied with the team lead with 25 goals last season, was keyed in on by the Hawks defense as he produced just one goal and two assists.
In the first half, Pat Myers was the only offensive starter to score. The other production came from faceoff specialist Sam Talkow, defenseman Drew Lukacs, and second line midfielder Hayden Ruiz.
Ten different players scored for BU, which showed a good ability to move the ball, but no part of the offense that was dominant. The team struggled with turnovers when it did get possession, and was not able to get into a rhythm.
Despite the loss, and an eight-goal fourth quarter effort from Hartford, BU still led many statistical categories. The Terriers had the advantage in shots, ground balls, extra man goals, and was tied in faceoffs and turnovers overall.
Tallow has been dealing with injuries, and again was in-and-out of the game. Elliott Burr went 5-for-12 when he was in the game, and Talkow went 10-for-17 when he was able to go.
Brendan Homire, a freshman midfielder, broke out and was a bright spot, picking up three assists and his second career goal in the loss. Homire has become one of the leaders on the midfield in Dearth’s absence
The Terriers struggled with clearing the ball and turnovers throughout the contest. A young team, it’s been one of their key issues all season. With conference play beginning next week, BU will have to focus on cleaning up its game.
BU will host Navy this Saturday. The #18 ranked Midshipmen are coming off of a 5-1 victory against Delaware Sunday afternoon.
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