Box Score

Facing a 6-4 deficit as halftime, the Albright College men's lacrosse team came back once again in thrilling fashion to defeat the Falcons of Messiah College by the score of 9-7 on Saturday afternoon in Shirk Stadium.

With the win, the Lions earn the top seed for the upcoming Commonwealth Conference playoffs in their inaugural season. They will host Lebanon Valley, who Albright defeated 12-11 at home on April 18, on Tuesday at 7 pm.

After Messiah's Kevan Schellenberg scored with 8:48 to go in the first half, Albright found itself in a 6-3 hole. However, Dan Foote provided momentum as the half ended with a tally of his own with 15 seconds to play to cut the deficit to two heading into the break.

The Falcons struck first to begin the second half before the Lion defense clamped down. After allowing 16 shots in the first half, the Lions allowed just four shots in the final 30 minutes.

Phil Potter cut Messiah's lead back to two with an unassisted goal with 7:33 to go in the third quarter. Foote then scored four and a half minutes later on a pass from Bryan Smith to even the score at 7-7.

As has been customary all season, Potter made the decisive play with another unassisted tally with just over 10 minutes to play in the game. TJ Holston then provided some breathing room after fighting off two defenders for a goal with 6:25 to go, and Albright controlled possession for the remainder of the contest to walk away with another close victory.

Smith finished with one goal and three assists to lead Albright with seven points. Holston, Potter, Foote and Justin Brown each had two goals, and Darian Meador forced a team-high four turnovers and had six ground balls. Andrew Torak made five saves to earn his 14^th victory of the season.

Messiah was led by James Baden, who dished three assists. Midfielder Matt Emerson won 14-of-20 faceoffs.

Albright outshot Messiah 32-20 and held a 28-21 advantage in ground balls.