University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
3-1
Merrimack
2-2
Massachusetts Men's Lacrosse Rolls To 17-6 Win Over Merrimack
February 24, 2024 | Men's Lacrosse
AMHERST, Mass.- The University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse team used a six goal first quarter to cruise to a 17-6 victory over Merrimack at Garber Field on Saturday afternoon. UMass improves to 3-1 on the season while the Warriors go to 2-2.
Mason Bregman led the Gorillas offensively, securing a first quarter hat trick and finishing the day with four goals and one assist. Caelin Lewis and Mike Tobin both had threepoint performances as Lewis netted a pair and added a helper while Tobin dished out two assists with a goal.
On the defensive side of the field, Matt Knote continued to stand tall between the pipes, making 12 saves and allowing just three goals. Owen Quinn recorded a game-high three caused turnovers while Caleb Hammett dominated the face-off X, going 14-18 with12 ground balls.
The Minutemen came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, pouring in six first quarter goals and shutting out Merrimack. Bregman scored three of his four goals in the frame while the UMass defense held Merrimack to just two shots on goal through the first 15 minutes.
After a smooth first quarter, the UMass offense stalled, scoring just one goal in the second courtesy of Carter Castillo. Merrimack was able to get on the board with just under five minutes left in the half while holding the Minutemen to just six total shots.
Coming out of the break, UMass regained the momentum, scored five unanswered goals with tallies from Caelin Lewis, Shane O'Leary, Hammett, and Bregman. The Gorillas would go into the final frame leading 12-2 and holding a 22-12 shots on goal advantage.
In the fourth quarter, several Minutemen registered their first points of the season. In the quarter, Dillon Arrant picked out John Crehan who potted his first career goal. Arrant would then score one himself off an Aiden Drunsic assist. Sophomore Brian Jackman also registered his first collegiate goal in the win as well.
The Minutemen continue their homestand as they welcome UAlbany to Garber Field on Saturday, March 2nd. Faceoff is set for 1 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
