ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan College men's lacrosse team has been placing an emphasis on executing the basics during recent practices.
The extra attention paid off on Wednesday evening as the Redhawks used a 7-0 run bridging the first and second quarters to fuel an 18-7 victory over The College of Saint Rose in a non-conference game.
"We have been focused on being efficient in passing, catching and shooting and doing everything with a purpose," said senior attack Nate Maloney, who Roberts (6-1) with five goals.
The starting attack accounted for 10 of Roberts' 18 goals as junior Reid Jackowski added three goals and four assists and senior Hunter Lemieux finished with two goals and two assists.
"We have three attackmen that are playing really well right now," Roberts coach Rocky Delfino said. "They all have different strengths and that's difficult to defend."
Connor Jones scored to give Roberts a 3-2 lead with 4:36 to play in the first quarter and the Redhawks outscored Saint Rose 13-2 over the next 36:42, including 3-0 in the third quarter.
"When the offense gets rolling like that everything clicks," senior defenseman Anthony Diamico said. "It gives us a whole wave of confidence."
So does the efficiency of graduate student Mitch Streety on face-offs. Streety, who entered the game ranked third in Division II in face-off percentage (.723) went 21 of 26 for the game and led the Redhawks with 10 ground balls.
Jones finished with two goals as did junior Dan Doviak and sophomore Jordon Deats. Midfielders Zach Cree and Matt Walsh also scored.
Sophomore Aidan Sheehan made 10 saves for Roberts.
The Redhawks caused 15 turnovers and held a 35-20 edge in ground balls.
"Our ride was very good today and our defense really shut them down," Delfino said.
Diamico credited defensive coordinator John Wellington and assistant coach Connor Schissler for devising a game plan that allowed the Redhawks to take advantage of favorable matchups and his teammates on defense for communicating well to stifle the Golden Knights.
"When you have coaching and communication, you can't go wrong," Diamico said
"We were just focused and we're gelling together," Maloney said. "We know what we have here, and it is a brotherhood."
A moment of silence was held before the game to honor former Redhawks player Brady Bermingham. The team collected $600 in gate receipts and donations for Best Self Behavior Health in Bermingham's honor.
Roberts hosts East Coast Conference rival Frostburg State at noon on Saturday.