Eagles Top Spalding in Battle of the Eagles as V. Bechler Breaks Program Record for Assists, Points
HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata men's lacrosse team picked up their first win of the year, 15-7, against visiting Spalding University Friday evening at Gibbel Stadium.
Vincent Bechler broke the program record for assists in a game with seven. V. Bechler also broke the program record for points in a game with eight. He added a goal, five ground balls and a caused turnover. Liam Walsh had five goals, three ground balls and three caused turnovers while Sterling Bechler totaled two goals, an assist, and four ground balls. Seth Campbell added two goals, eight ground balls and a caused turnover. Eli Erickson, Jackson Eastep, Matt McCleary, Logan Douglas and Charlie Newman scored one goal a piece. Ryan Madison made 20 saves in goal for the Eagles. Noah Harrison tied the program record for ground balls in a game with nine.
The teams traded goals over the first eight minutes of the game, with Walsh and Newman scoring for the Eagles. Bechler provided his first assist to Newman as he found him at the top, who ripped a shot past the keeper. Bechler found Walsh to put the Eagles up 3-2 after one.
A 6-1 advantage in the second quarter put the Eagles up 9-3 at the break.
Juniata won the second half 6-4 to get the victory.
The win is the first for head coach Dylan Abplanalp.
Juniata returns to action Sunday against the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.