LANCASTER, Pa. – The Haverford College men's lacrosse team played host Franklin & Marshall to an even five-all score during the final 30 minutes of Saturday's game. However, it was a strong first half to that proved too much for Haverford in a 14-5 game at Tylus Field.
Five different players scored for Haverford as Jack Sollee, Geoff Geppert, Patrick Girard, Zach Cole, and Noah Quinn all found the back of the net. F&M's John Barney broke out offensively to lead the Diplomats with five goals in the contest.
Franklin & Marshall controlled the offensive tempo in the opening half with a strong face off unit that won 9-of-11 attempts. That advantage in possession led to five goals in the first period and four more in the second period.
The Diplomats also scored the opening goal of the third period to take a 10-0 lead before Haverford gained its offensive footing. Geppert got his team on the board with 11:40 to play in the third with his team-leading 21st goal of the season. Geppert's tally was set up by the first of Chase Williams' two assists on the afternoon. Haverford added its second goal of the period with 7:27 left on the clock. Again it was Williams that set the table, while Sollee finished with his fourth goal of the season.
Haverford finished the game with the final three tallies in Saturday's contest. Girard scored his eighth goal of the season with 3:05 left in the game. Cole tallied his first collegiate goal just under 90 seconds later. His goal was set up by Girard during the man-up opportunity. Quinn closed the game's scoring with his second goal of the season that just beat the final whistle. His goal with three seconds to play was set in motion by Kevin Goshorn's first collegiate helper.
In goal, Eric Caliendo made eight saves on the evening. Mitch Hagan led the Fords with four ground ball pickups. Brandon Smith, Caliendo, and Goshorn each recorded three ground balls. Smith also caused two turnovers on the night, one of 13 different Haverford players to force Franklin & Marshall into a giveaway.
Men's lacrosse will make its final road trip of the season this Wednesday with the quick drive to Ursinus. That game is set for a 7 p.m. start time. Senior Day for the Fords will be next Saturday, April 25 in the meeting against rival Swarthmore.