ANGOLA, Ind. – The Trine University men's lacrosse team nearly erased a four-goal deficit in the final six minutes of play, but their comeback was just short as they fell to visiting Calvin University by the score of 9-8. Riley Fischer led the way offensively, leading both teams with five points.
The Thunder opened scoring in the contest when Kramer Zastrow scored with 8:32 remaining in the opening period. Peter Piccillo set up the goal with a pass from beside the net.
After the Knights responded a minute later, Piccillo retook the lead with 6:44 remaining. This time the team scored in transition with Chris Molnar passing from near the 30 yard line to just in front of the goal.
Calvin scored the final two of the first quarter to take a 3-2 lead. They expanded that lead in the beginning of the second with two more goals, making the score 5-2.
Trine made a push in the waning minutes of the first half, scoring two goals to cut the lead back to 5-4. The streak was all on Fischer, who scored both goals, just over a minute apart. Aidan Kubiak earned an assist on the second.
The lone goal of the third period went to Calvin. They followed up with two goals to start the fourth building their largest lead of the day at 8-4 with ten minutes remaining.
Fischer sparked the offense again, scoring with 5:45 remaining in the contest. Aiden Theobald set up the goal with a pass from behind the net. Fischer recorded his first assist a minute later, passing the ball back toward midfield where a trailing Justin Scheberle was able to catch and fire a goal.
The team's second penalty of the game came with four minutes remaining in the game and it was a costly one, with Calvin building their lead back to three at 9-6.
Fischer set up another goal with just under two minutes remaining as Noah Markus scored from inside. The team won the ensuing faceoff and scored again just 23 seconds later, this time an unassisted shot by Patrick Doyle.
Trine lost the ensuing faceoff, but Zachary Norris forced a crucial turnover to give the team a last chance to tie the game. Markus took the shot forcing a save from the Knights' goalie which was followed by a scrum for the loose ball just outside the crease. The officials awarded the ball to Calvin and the Knights were able to stall for the final 46 seconds to secure the win.
Nick DiPaolo had a strong showing in net despite recording the loss. He recorded 14 saves in the game and added three groundballs. Mason Levin played lockdown defense in front of the goal, leading the team three turnovers during the game.
Trine falls to 7-7 overall and 1-2 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play following the loss. They will continue their season when they travel to face Adrian College on Saturday, April 20. That game is set to start at 7 p.m.