Bucknell University
3-9
Lafayette
6
Men's Lacrosse Drops Heartbreaking OT Loss to Lafayette Friday Night
4/21/2023 10:55:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
EASTON, Pa. – The Bucknell men's lacrosse team battled back from an early 9-3 deficit and tied Lafayette at 13-13 with 16 seconds to play in regulation, but the Leopards scored with 2:35 left in the first overtime period to secure the win in a wild Patriot League battle Friday evening.
With the win, the Leopards secured a spot in the 2023 Patriot League Tournament.
It was Jack Feda who scored the game-tying goal while falling backwards, capping a 4-0 Bison run over the final 3:45 of the fourth quarter to complete Bucknell's comeback. Feda was one of three Bison to collect a hat trick in the contest, and he scored off a pass from Dutch Furlong, who led all Bucknell players with seven points on two goals and five assists.
EQUALIZER!!!! The Bison trailed by six, and we're now headed to OT for a chance to go to the @PatriotLeague Tournament!
— Bucknell Men's Lax (@Bucknell_MLAX) April 22, 2023
Watch: https://t.co/Nb1ccogO9K@ESPN | @PatriotLeagueTV pic.twitter.com/Tk8cprBbGl
Bucknell used several runs to get back in the game after falling behind 9-3 early in the second quarter. The Bison got within three of tying on several occasions, but each time the Leopards had an answer.
Jack Dudas scored twice in the final four minutes, and a Furlong goal with 32 seconds to go got the Bison within one of tying. The Bison collected the ensuing faceoff and called a timeout before Feda struck with the equalizer. Bucknell had a chance to win the game after winning the next faceoff, but Lafayette's Joe Doherty made a save on Connor Davis' attempt.
Dudas finished with three goals, and Cam Doolan posted a career-high four goals in the contest. Reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Week Will Hopkins added a goal and an assist as well.
Lafayette won 20 of 31 faceoffs, but the Bison managed to stay within striking distance most of the contest and led 45-39 in shots. The Leopards also coughed it up 20 times compared to Bucknell's 10, helping the Bison cause. Bucknell only managed to convert on two of its five man-up opportunities.
Freshman goalie Jaz Zanelli stayed in the game for all 64 minutes and totaled 14 saves.
Lafayette built its initial lead with a 6-0 run that lasted more than 20 minutes of game time. It began with 31 seconds left in the first quarter when the two teams were tied at 3-3, and Bucknell finally answered with 10:04 to play in the third, making it a 9-4 game.
Bucknell outscored Lafayette 10-5 over the final two frames and outshot the Leopards 16-6 in the fourth quarter.
Danny Striano and Richie Striano both finished with five ground balls, and Davis joined Hank Bethel with a pair of caused turnovers.
Bucknell concludes its regular season on Friday, April 28 with a home game against Navy. The Bison will be celebrating their 11 seniors prior to the start of the game.
