| Darian Meador is one of 26
freshmen on Albright's 29-man roster. Albright athletics photo by Dave Johnson |
Freshman Darian Meador scored two shorthanded goals in a nine-second span as the Albright men's lacrosse team defeated Alvernia 11-1 and clinched a Commonwealth Conference playoff spot in its first-ever varsity season.
Meador finished with six ground balls and won 7-of-10 faceoffs
to go with his two goals. Ryan Turner had a game-high four points
(three goals, assist) and T.J. Holston scored twice.
Tyler Ott was also effective on faceoffs, winning 4-of-5 draws.
Kyle McCabe picked up eight ground balls, as did defenseman Mike
Donohoe (while causing five turnovers).
With Albright playing a man down, Meador countered and scored with
three seconds left in the first quarter. He then won the second
quarter's opening draw and took it right down for another strike,
giving him two shorthanded goals in just nine seconds.
Turner hit the post on the Lions' first possession, before finding
Foote at the doorstep four minutes in for a 1-0 Albright lead.
Philip Potter came from behind the goal to make it 2-0, Mike
Southwick carried one in from midfield, and Meador tacked on late
for a 4-0 lead after one period of play.
Two minutes into the second quarter, Foote picked up a ground ball
and hit Turner with a great pass for a 6-0 Albright advantage.
Holston weaved through several defenders in the third quarter to
make it 7-1, and Bryan Smith's high-velocity rip soon pushed things
to 9-1.
Alvernia senior goalie Kevin Shupp was outstanding, allowing 11
goals but making 20 saves in the effort.
Albright (14-2, 4-1) will host Messiah on Saturday in its regular
season finale, looking to clinch home field advantage throughout
the Commonwealth/MAC playoffs with a win.