No. 9/10 Rutgers defeats Stony Brook 11-7

No. 9/10 Rutgers men’s lacrosse defeated Stony Brook 11-7 on Saturday at SHI Stadium. A balanced and relentless offensive attack kept the Seawolves at bay. The Scarlet Knights improved to 2-0 for the eighth straight season.

Rutgers took control of the game on a 5-0 run midway through the second period into midway of the third period. It extended a one goal lead to 9-3 as RU had five different goal scorers during the game changing run. Credit Stony Brook for continuing to battle back and cutting the lead to 10-7 midway through the final frame, but the Scarlet Knights defense firmed up the rest of the way.

Brian Cameron recorded his second consecutive hat trick in as many games this season. He added an assist and reached the 100 point mark of his five year career. Ross Scott also reached 100 points in his fourth season with two goals and an assist. Jack Aimone also had two goals and an assist while David Sprock scored twice. Shane Knobloch and Dante Kulas add a goal apiece.

“We knew Stony Brook would be a tough game. Last year they played us right down to the very end,” said Jack Aimone.” And that’s what we got. It was nice to be able to put a couple in the back of the net myself, but overall, it’s just good as a team to get the win.”

Goalkeeper Kyle Mullin made seven saves in the victory.

One major development was the emergence of Yale transfer Joe Neuman, who won 13 of 19 faceoff attempts (68.4%), a career high in faceoffs won. He also had six groundballs in an impressive performance. Primary faceoff specialist Jonathan Dugenio won both of his attempts as Rutgers finished 15 of 21 in the game.

Overall, Rutgers outshot Stony Brook 49-32 and 34-14 with shots on goal. However, Seawolves goalkeeper Jamison MacLachlan registered 23 saves to keep it closer than it should have been. RU also forced 21 turnovers while only committing 12 and held a 33-26 advantage with ground balls. Four came from freshman Ryan Splaine, who set a career high and registered his first caused turnover. Brad Agpar tied a career high with three caused turnovers while Ryan Decker set a career high with two caused turnovers.

“Our defense played well together,” said Jack Stahanczyk. “We played as one, we made all the right slides. The offense is doing their thing, we’ve been strong as a defense. It’s a long season but that’s a good sign for us going forward.”

Rutgers will hit the road to face Army in West Point on Saturday, February 18 at noon. They’ve lost their last two trips there and three of the last four games played against the Cadets. Army lost their season opener to UMass 10-8 on Saturday.

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