HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The Juniata men's lacrosse team hosted the Gophers Saturday afternoon at a windy Gibbel Stadium but ultimately fell 14-5 after only trailing by one at halftime.
Charlie Newman put two away for the Eagles as Beaux Wojciechowski, Aiden Duran, and Vincent Bechler added one goal each.
The Eagles started the scoring in the first five minutes of play as the Eagles regained possession on a failed Goucher clear and found Wojciechowski on the right side of the goal. Wojciechowski was quickly surrounded by Gophers and found Duran on the left side, who ripped one under the Goucher goalie. The Eagles got another quick goal as Kolton Black circled behind the crease to find an open Bechler, who fired one passed multiple defenders and the goalie. Goucher answered back with three goals to end the first quarter in the Gopher's favor 3-2.
Wojciechowski added a quick goal less than a minute into the second quarter. Heavily defended, Wojciechowski was able to get through and find the back of the net to tie it up. Goucher did not let up and scored to keep Juniata down by one. Newman put one away to tie it up again in the second quarter. Bechler was racing down the right side, drawing two defenders, and connected with Newman right in front of the goal. Newman found the back of the net in one motion. Goucher scored again before the quarter was up, leaving the Eagles trailing once again, 5-4.
The second half saw one goal from the Eagles. About five minutes into the third quarter, Wojciechowski drew defenders in, leaving Newman open in front of the goal. Wojciechowski found Newman, who scored his second goal of the day. The Gophers tallied nine more goals between the third and fourth quarters.
Matt McCleary totaled seven groundballs, and three caused turnovers, as Reuben Stoll added four groundballs and three caused turnovers. Justin Toney tallied 12 saves in goals for the Eagles and totaled a .461 save percentage.
The Eagles take on McDaniel this Tuesday, April 4, at 4:00 pm at Gibbel Stadium.
