Wolves Topple Vikings 19-5

DANBURY, Conn. - Sophomore attackman Julian Duque (Mastic, N.Y.) tallied a game-high four goals and one assist while classmate attackman Benjamin Hawthorne (Manorville, N.Y.) chipped in with a hat trick and two helpers to propel the Western Connecticut State University men's lacrosse team to a 19-5 victory over visiiting Little East Conference foe Salem State University in the regular season finale for both squads on Friday night.

With the win, the Wolves captured the LEC Regular Season crown and the top seed in the upcoming LEC Postseason Championship Tournament slated to begin on Tuesday. They received a first round bye and will host a semifinal matchup on Thursday. The title game is slated for Saturday, May 6. 

It was all WestConn from start-to-finish as they matched up against a depleted Vikings roster. The hosts outshot the visitors by a 60-19 margin, while also holding a commanding edge in ground balls, 50-17.

They would open the game with a 5-0 advantage to conclude the first quarter. Senior midfielder Stephen Cicchetti (Lindenhurst, N.Y.) began the barrage with his 30th goal of the campaign. Duque wrapped up the run with his 51st before he added another trio, giving him a team-leading 54 on the season.

Senior attackman Donald Schaumloffel (Wantagh, N.Y) got in on the action in the second stanza when he tickled the twine. Shortly thereafter, sophomore Jack Murphy (Putnam Valley, N.Y.) canned his second of the year, giving the Wolves a 14-1 halftime advantage.

The winners would add another five scoring strikes in the second half en route to the win. Junior midfielder Aidan Hollingsworth (Methuen, Mass.) led the Vikings with a hat trick. Trevor Gilligan (Marblehead, Mass.) made 17 saves in goal.  

(Courtesy Western Connecticut Sports Information)