University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Fairfield
Recchione, Schneider Lead UMass Past Fairfield, 10-7
April 24, 2007 | Men's Lacrosse
April 24, 2007
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - After struggling much of the season, senior Andrew Recchione finally broke out for a big game as he posted his first hat trick of the season as UMass beat Fairfield, 10-7, in an ECAC men's lacrosse game on Tuesday afternoon. Sophomore Jim Connolly also netted three goals for the Minutemen. Goalie Doc Schneider was amazing all game, making 14 saves including many at point-blank range. UMass faces No. 12 Syracuse on Saturday at 3 p.m., on Senior Day, a nationally-televised game on ESPNU.
UMass evened its record at 6-6 overall and moved back into a tie for second place in the ECAC with a 4-2 record. The Stags fell to 5-6 this season -- dropping their sixth game in a row -- and 1-5 in the ECAC.
In addition to the hat tricks from Connolly and Recchione, the Minutemen other goal scorers were Brett Garber, Brian Jacovina, Rory Pedrick and Denis Whelan. Sophomore Evan Blum had his first-career two-assist game.
After the teams were tied three times in the first 20 minutes of action, Connolly scored the go-ahead tally with 9:37 left in the first half, making it 4-3 UMass. Whelan and Pedrick sandwiched a Fairfield goal by Travis Nelson to give UMass a 6-4 advantage at halftime.
Fairfield cut UMass' lead to one on two occaions in the second half, but UMass was able to keep the Stags at bay. After Greg Downing scored his second of the afternoon to make it 6-5 just 1:11 into the third quarter.
Jacovina ripped a goal from about 15 yards out to make it 7-5 UMass and Connolly scored his third of the game for an 8-5 advantage through three quarter.
Stag leading scorer Mike Bocklet (who was blanked by Sean Krygier for the first three quarters) scored twice in the first 2:15 of the fourth quarter to cut the lead back to 8-7 with 12:45 left in regulation.
But Recchione, who had just six goals in the first 11 games in 2007, would not be denied as he scored twice in the 5:24 to secure the 10-7 victory.
Freshman Bobby Hayes was dominant on face-offs winning a career-best 14-of-19.
With Schneider starring most of the afternoon, the defense in front of him was strong as well with some unheralded players contributing. Krygier was strong on his defense guarding Bocklet most of the game. Sophomore Justin Kelleher saw his most playing time and and caused some key turnovers. Senior Efosa Guobadia was also all over the field grabbing three groundballs and creating several opportunities for the Minutemen.
UMass returns to Garber Field for their final regular-season home game on Saturday after No. 12 Syracuse. The game faces off at 3 p.m. and will be shown live on ESPNU with a broadcast on WRNX 100.9 in Massachusetts. UMass will honor its senior class prior to the game.
