Massachusetts Holds Off UAlbany Lacrosse's Late Rally in 9-8 Decision at Garber Field

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Amherst, Mass. – Junior attack Tim Balise had three goals and one assist as Massachusetts held off UAlbany, 9-8, in non-league play on Tuesday, March 11 at Garber Field. The two lacrosse teams battled to a one-goal decision for the fifth consecutive year.

UMass (2-2) controlled the action for most of the way by winning 14 of 20 face-offs. The Minutemen, who led 5-3 at halftime, opened up a four-goal lead in the third period. Senior defenseman Brian Danvers scored her first career goal with the long pole after a defensive double-team led to a turnover by UAlbany’s Jordan Levine. Belise gave his team a 7-3 advantage by driving from the left corner and placing a shot over goalkeeper Brett Queener’s shoulder with 7:41 left in the quarter.

The Minutemen, who have made 17 NCAA appearances in their history and reached the national championship game in 2006, kept its four-goal cushion midway through the final stanza when Fred Federico connected on a blast in an extra-man situation.

UAlbany (0-4) rallied in the late stages by scoring three times in a one-minute-and-12 second span. Derek Dale scored back-to-back goals, the first after Queener caused a turnover and the second after Levine won the subsequent face-off. The Great Danes, who lost in triple-overtime to nationally-ranked Delaware three days ago, closed the gap to 9-8 with 1:12 remaining. Corey Small converted after UMass’ Kevin Wright was stripped of the ball by defender Mark Kelly as his team doubled the ball.

The Great Danes had two chances to draw even in the final minute but could get the equalizer. After winning the draw following Small’s goal, Dale threw a pass that resulted in a turnover. Mike Ammann, a senior midfielder, then intercepted UMass’ clearing attempt, but his twin brother Steve sent a shot high over the net with 21 seconds on the clock.

Doc Schneider, an All-ECAC goalkeeper, made 16 saves for the Minutemen, who avenged last year’s 10-9 overtime loss at John Fallon Field. Freshman Zach Rogers added one goal and two assists. UAlbany’s Levine totaled two goals and two assists as his team has opened the season with four consecutive losses for the first time as a Division I program.