BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Men's Lacrosse team fell to Conference of New England powerhouse Endicott College, 22-11, on Wednesday afternoon at Bayside Field. Despite a hard-fought battle and several strong individual performances, the Hawks couldn't keep pace with the Gulls' high-powered offense.
The Hawks opened the contest on even footing, matching Endicott goal-for-goal in the first quarter to tie it 3-3. Eric Brooks (Milford, Mass.), Carter Shelton (Castle Rock, Colo.), and Ryan Vendetti (Farmington, Conn.) each tallied early scores for Roger Williams, with Vendetti's goal coming on a man-up opportunity to close the opening frame.
Momentum briefly swung in the Hawks favor when Brady Lee (Mattapoisett, Mass.) converted a goal assisted by Brooks to start the second quarter, giving the Hawks a 4-3 lead. However, Endicott responded with a relentless scoring stretch, including back-to-back goals by Nick Graap and a hat trick from Cam Fernandez, who proved to be a key difference-maker.
Fernandez was nearly unstoppable, finishing with six goals and two assists for a game-high eight points. Teammate Tommy Tyksinski also delivered a standout showing, notching four goals and an assist. Endicott showcased balanced scoring throughout the lineup, with Colt Green and Manny Marshall each contributing multi-goal efforts as well.
On the Hawks' side, Brooks led the charge with two goals and two assists, bringing energy to the offense throughout. Matt Hemmert (Braintree, Mass.) added a hat trick of his own, finding the back of the net three times in the second half. Malcolm Steegstra (Gloucester, Mass.) chipped in a pair of goals while Jack Kester (Londonderry, N.H.), Lee, Shelton, and Vendetti each had one apiece.
Goalie Aaron D'Aversa (Sea Cliff, N.Y.) made 15 saves for RWU in nearly 48 minutes of action, while Max Kimmel (Milford, Conn.) added three stops in relief. On the other end, Endicott's Teagan Alexander and Christopher Tillotson combined for 18 saves.
Endicott outshot the Hawks 65-43 and dominated ground balls 49-37. Despite Roger Williams converting all their clear attempts in the second half and putting up a strong fourth-quarter push, the Gulls' offensive depth proved too much to overcome.
Roger Williams (6-7, 2-2 CNE) returns to action this Saturday, April 12th as they host Western New England at home on Bayside Field at 3:00 pm. Next, they will travel to Dudley, Mass. where they will take on Nichols on Tuesday, April 15th at 4:00pm.
