March 13, 2007
Box Score
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Freshman Matt Mersky tallied two goals and an assist, helping the Leopards to an early 3-1 lead at the end of the first quarter only to see No. 11 Maryland rattle off seven straight goals en route to a 13-4 win on Tuesday afternoon at Ludwig Field.
The Terrapins (4-2), tied for 11th in the latest USILA Division I Coaches Poll, were the third nationally ranked opponent the Leopards (1-5) have faced in the last five games. Matt Ritz drew first blood for the Terps less than 30 seconds into the contest.
Mersky responded with a vengeance and had a busy opening period, sandwiching his two goals around a John Galassi score on which he assisted at the 10:47 mark. Mersky netted the Leopards' first goal unassisted (12:15) and went on to take advantage of a man-up opportunity, snaring a pass from senior Sean Burek with just 22 ticks remaining in the first quarter.
Maryland pelted Lafayette keeper Jeff Canfield with 12 first-quarter shots, five of which he was able to save. Canfield finished the afternoon with 14 saves, matching a season-high and marking his fifth double-digit save game of the season.
Unfortunately, a stifling Maryland defense took over from there, holding Lafayette scoreless through the second period while the Terps ran off seven straight goals to cruise ahead 8-3 at the half.
After Maryland tacked on two more goals (10-3), Lafayette senior co-captain Trevor Ortolano netted his third goal of the season with 9:21 to play in the third quarter. Maryland put two more points on the board and entered the final period with a 13-4 cushion.
The teams combined for 12 fourth-quarter shots, but neither club was able to find the back of the net. Canfield saved three shots in the fourth before freshman Vinny DePasquale entered the net in relief and turned away two.
Canfield also led the team with four ground balls, followed by junior Peter VanderDrift and freshman Cane Napolitano with three apiece. Napolitano went 6-of-10 on face-offs, while senior Jamison Caldwell won 5-of-11.
Lafayette returns to action against its second straight nationally ranked opponent when the team hosts Bucknell, which entered the week tied with Maryland in the 11th slot. The Leopards welcome the Bison to Rappolt Field on Tuesday at 7 p.m. It will mark the Leopards' third Patriot League tilt as well as its first of two home games under the lights.
