By: Michael Hayeck | Manager Of Athletic Communications
SAINT LEO, Fla. — The Saint Leo Lions men's lacrosse rallied in the back in the fourth quarter to take down the no.12 Rollins Tars. Trailing by three early in the final period, the Lions closed the game on a decisive run to remain unbeaten in conference play.
First Quarter:
Rollins opened the scoring midway through the quarter, but Saint Leo responded at the 4:46 mark as sophomore Brady Moltisanti finished an assist from junior Brayden Stellwagen. Senior goalkeeper Drew Wheeler anchored the defense with multiple early saves, keeping the game level at 1–1 after one.
Second Quarter:
Saint Leo grabbed momentum early with back to back goals from senior Aidan Knoetgen and Tristan LeBlanc to take a 3–1 lead. Rollins answered with a 3–0 run, capitalizing on turnovers and regaining control late in the quarter. Despite strong defensive possessions, the Lions trailed 4–3 at halftime.
Third Quarter:
The pace picked up in the third as both teams traded goals. Sophomore Alex Clark tied the game early with his second goal of the season, while seniors John Raucci and Greg Palmer added key scores during a mid quarter push. Senior Ben Baker's late goal kept Saint Leo within one, but Rollins maintained a slight edge and carried an 8–7 lead into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter:
Rollins extended its lead to 10–7 early, putting pressure on the Lions. Saint Leo responded with urgency as Stellwagen scored twice in a crucial stretch, and senior Thomas Nelan converted a man up opportunity to tie the game at 10–10. After Rollins briefly went back in front, Knoetgen answered with the equalizer at 3:25. Stellwagen then delivered the game winner at the 2:07 mark off an assist from sophomore Anderson Smith, capping a 5 goal fourth quarter and sealing the comeback 12–11 win.
Stat Leaders:
Saint Leo totaled 34 shots and 33 ground balls.
The men's lacrosse team returns to Jody Luihn Family Stadium for a conference match against Florida Southern College on Wednesday. April. 1.
