Rutgers Comeback Falls Short Against UMBC
Feb 26 | Men's Lacrosse
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (February 26, 2012) - The Rutgers men's lacrosse team battled to the end against UMBC, but was unable to best the visiting squad on Saturday, falling by a score of 11-7 at the RU Stadium Complex. The Scarlet Knights, led by first-year head coach Brian Brecht, were paced with four points (two goals, two assists) from sophomore A Nicholas DePaolera (Kinnelon, N.J.). Senior M Will Mangan (Maplewood, N.J.) and redshirt sophomore A Scott Klimchak (Clark, N.J.) both added two goals each for RU.
The Scarlet Knights (2-2) fought back in their home opener in the fourth period, scoring three-straight goals on the Retrievers (1-1) to pull within 10-7 with 2:43 remaining in the game. With the pressure turned up, UMBC was able to slip their last goal in on an open net to set the final score at 11-7.
Klimchak, a Second-Team All-BIG EAST honoree in 2011, figured heavily into the late scoring rally for RU. His first score at the 3:27 mark was unassisted, while senior A Kevin Hover (Belle Mead, N.J.) added the helping hand on the second score at 2:43. Mangan started off Rutgers' fourth-period scoring off a feed from DePaolera with 7:41 left in the game.
It was DePaolera who scored first for RU when his first period goal at 6:07 tied the game at 1-1. RU's next score was from Mangan with an assist to DePaolera with one minute remaining in the half to set the score at 5-2 in favor of UMBC at the break.
RU netted two goals in the third period, with the first score coming from senior M Michael Diehl (Flemington, N.J.) off an assist from Hover at the 9:17 mark. DePaolera scored his second goal of the day less than a minute later (8:22) to cut into the Retrievers' lead, 8-4.
Senior D Jacob Fradkin (Brooklandville, Md.) led Rutgers' defensive efforts, causing four turnovers and scooping four ground balls. Redshirt freshman D Andrew Parrilla (Wykoff, N.J.) followed with three caused turnovers and four ground balls.
Junior G Rudy Butler (Belle Mead, N.J.) recorded all 60 minutes in goal, making five saves.
RU continues at home with Lafayette on Saturday, March 3. Action is set to begin at the RU Stadium Complex at 1 p.m.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers men's lacrosse, follow the program and Brecht on Twitter (@RUMLax and @RUlaxCoach). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.
