By: Michael Hayeck | Manager Of Athletic Communications
SAINT LEO, Fla. — Saint Leo University men's lacrosse defeated the Embry Riddle Eagles 9-8 in overtime in the opening round of the SSC Tournament.
First Quarter:
Embry Riddle opened the scoring, but Saint Leo responded quickly as Tristan LeBlanc evened the game. After the Eagles regained the lead, Brady Moltisanti tied it again off an assist from Alex Clark, and John Raucci followed with an unassisted goal during a key stretch. The Lions controlled possession at the X early, helping them take a 3–2 lead after one.
Second Quarter:
The Lions built momentum in the second quarter. After Embry Riddle briefly tied the game, Raucci answered with his second goal, and Brayden Stellwagen converted off a feed from Aidan Knoetgen. Strong defensive possessions and faceoff wins from Andrew Graham limited Eagle opportunities, giving Saint Leo a 5–3 advantage at halftime.
Third Quarter:
Saint Leo extended its lead early in the third as Knoetgen finished a pass from LeBlanc, followed by a Greg Palmer goal to push the margin to three. Embry-Riddle responded with consecutive goals late in the quarter, trimming the deficit to 7–5 heading into the fourth and setting up a tight finish.
Fourth Quarter & OT:
The Eagles rallied but Palmer answered for Saint Leo, scoring the equalizer at the 2:46 mark to force overtime. In the extra period, the Lions once again controlled possession off the faceoff, and Ben Baker capitalized finishing a feed from Palmer at 1:37 to secure the 9–8 win.
Stat Leaders:
Saint Leo's advantage at the faceoff proved decisive, winning 18 of 21 draws, while also holding a 29–25 edge in ground balls.
The men's lacrosse team advances to the SSC Semi finals this Wednesday, April. 22 where they will play Florida Tech on the road.
