After leading 4-2 at halftime, the No. 17/18 Penn State men’s lacrosse team scored nine third-quarter goals en route to a 16-9 victory against Michigan at the first-ever game at the new Penn State Lacrosse Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Nittany Lions improved to 1-1 (0-0 CAA) with the Creator’s Trophy victory. The Trophy is an annual series between Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. Senior midfielder Ryan Link (Englewood, Colo.), who scored a goal and collected a game-high six ground balls, earned Player of the Game recognition. Penn State will play Ohio State in its final game of the Series on Saturday, March 3.
Nine different Nittany Lions found the back of the net, including senior Jack Forster (Jenkintown), who led all players in both goals (5) and points (8). Sophomore Gavin Ahern (Rockville Centre, N.Y./3) and senior Matthew Mackrides (Newtown Square/2) recorded multi-goal games, while freshmen Taylor Stothoff (Sparks, Md.) and Kyle Zittel (Eden, N.Y.) both tallied their his first collegiate goals.
Sophomore Shane Sturgis (Downingtown) and Forster paced the team with three assists each, while junior Kyle VanThof (Penfield, N.Y.) added a pair of helpers. Eleven different Nittany Lions registered at least one caused turnover.
All three Penn State goalkeepers saw action against the Wolverines. Sophomore Austin Kaut (Morton) started for the Nittany Lions and made six saves for the win, while juniors Dave Baker (Havertown, Pa.) and Conor Baucum (Chevy Chase, Md.) played parts of the fourth quarter. Michigan netminders Dylan Westerhost, who started, and Cy Abdelnour made 9 and one saves, respectively.
For more: http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-lacros/recaps/021812aab.html
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