March 26, 2016 Box Score
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PISCATAWAY, N.J. - In the final non-conference game of the season, Rutgers (7-2) men's lacrosse used a strong start and held off a late charge to earn a 15-11 win over Delaware (3-7). The Scarlet Knights established a 12-4 lead and withstood a late Blue Hens push for the victory.
Rutgers outshot the visitors 47-29 for the game. The home squad also established a 36-29 advantage in ground balls, won 17-of-30 faceoffs and was 13-of-14 on clears.
Rutgers got a pair of hat tricks from attackers Jules Heningburg and Adam Charalambides, who each added two assists for a five-point day. Christian Trasolini and Josh Jordan each tallied twice apiece. Kris Alleyne made nine saves in the victory, improving his record to 4-2.
"I loved the way we prepared throughout the week, getting better each day," head coach Brian Brecht said. "They were fired up and ready to play. How could you not be excited to play in a stadium like this on a Saturday night? It was a great effort early on, and we had some dynamic players making great plays through the game."
Joe Francisco was inserted at the faceoff 'X' in the second half, and went 9-of-13. Alex Schoen went 8-of-17 on faceoffs.
"We had that two-headed monster facing off," Brecht said. "I give Joe Francisco a lot of credit for some big time faceoffs in the fourth quarter, picking up ground balls and pushing transition to make sure we cemented this one home. I'm proud of all the players; I thought they were great under pressure tonight."
Rutgers dominated the opening half, outscoring Delaware 8-1 in the first 30 minutes of action. Christian Scarpello scored the opening goal just 68 seconds into the game. Delaware tallied to tie at 6:52, but the Scarlet Knights answered with a Trasolini goal just 28 seconds later. That started a string of seven unanswered goals for RU, which took a seven-goal lead into the halftime locker room.
In the third quarter, Rutgers added to its lead. The Scarlet Knights scored the last three goals of the frame and took a 12-4 lead after 45 minutes of action.
In the fourth quarter, Delaware made a furious charge. The Blue Hens scored seven times in the final frame to cut into the margin. However, Rutgers was able to withstand the late push, and earn the four-goal victory.
The game wraps up non-conference play for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers will open up Big Ten play against a top-ten foe when Johns Hopkins comes to High Point Solutions Stadium next Saturday night at 7 p.m.
Postgame Notes
Zack Sikora, Jeff George, Chad Toliver and Casey Rose also scored in the game for Rutgers.
Sikora (one goal, one assist) and Scott Bieda (two assists) also added multi-point games.
Bieda now has 85 career assists. He passes Bill Naslonski to move into 10th place all-time at Rutgers.
Bieda has recorded a point in 29 straight games.
Heningburg reached new career-highs for points (30) and assists (10) in a season.
Sikora and Branford Rogers each had two caused turnovers.
Christian Scarpello led RU with five ground balls.
Michael Rexrode and Christian Mazzone each had four ground balls.
Rutgers is still unbeaten at home this season (4-0).
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) and Facebook. Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.
