SWARTHMORE, Pa. – Widener men's lacrosse began their 2024 campaign with a 23-2 loss to the Swarthmore College Garnet. The Garnet were ranked #17 in the USILA's Week 2 Top 20 poll.
The Pride are 0-1 in the regular season. Their first MAC game is on Saturday, April 6 against Alvernia.
BY THE NUMBERS
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST SWARTHMORE
- The Garnet won the opening faceoff. At 13:10, they would score their first two goals within 16 seconds off a Widener failed clear and turnover. The Pride were converting on clears and getting shots up, but none were going in the net. Toward the end of the quarter, Chris Covington caused a turnover, but the Pride could not capitalize. Swarthmore led 7-0 after one.
- After a Garnet goal, Widener would have an extra-man opportunity following a Swarthmore pushing penalty. They would get three shots up, two of which were saved. After multiple Widener penalties, the Pride finally got on the board with an unassisted goal from Collins. The Garnet would add two more to their total before the half ended, as the score was 16-1.
- Widener subbed in Colyn Schmitz at goalie for Keegan Billie to open the third quarter. Schmitz would immediately make two saves on the Garnet's attack and pick up a ground ball. The Pride's defense also made stops. Schmitz had more saves, and the team was causing turnovers. However, Swarthmore would slip through at the end of the quarter with a trio of goals. The home team led 20-1 after three.
- The Pride was aggressive in the final quarter, putting up 14 shots to Swarthmore's six. Despite some missed shots, Knepp would score the last Widener goal with 6:28 remaining. After a successful clear, he had a high shot before cashing in. But, the Garnet won the next two faceoffs and immediately scored. The final score was 23-2.
UP NEXT
The Pride finish their season-opening two-game road trip on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. They will be in Winchester, Va. to face the Shenandoah University Hornets.
