Rowan lacrosse hangs on to defeat Scranton

After going 5-1 in their previous six contests, it seemed like the Rowan Profs lacrosse team would cruise right into their home game against the University of Scranton Royals. Two weeks ago, the Profs defeated the then-top ranked TCNJ and came within an overtime goal of defeating nationally-ranked Catholic University. Despite the fact that games don’t always go as planned, the Profs still managed to grab a victory.

Rowan (10-5) hung on to defeat Scranton (6-9) in an 8-6 victory, thanks to junior mid-fielder Alli Dickey, and senior attacks Alayna Morris and Tori Hart. Each player reached the back of the net twice to prevent the Royals’ upset.

Dickey’s second goal of the day came with seven minutes remaining, putting the Profs ahead for good. It didn’t keep them from sweating, though. The Royals stayed close throughout the game until junior attack Lauren Yee and Hart scored two goals in a three-minute span, extending the lead to 8-5 with 5:20 left.

“I think today was mostly about finishing,” Morris said. “We didn’t finish that much. Our offense has definitely improved tremendously with being more disciplined and doing what we’re supposed to, but today I think our shot selection wasn’t as great as it could be.”

The Profs held their own on defense through most of the game. Sophomore goalie Kerry Pehnke made six saves and the team caused seven of the Scranton’s 24 turnovers. However, Rowan’s defense wasn’t at its best.

“It was a scrappy game,” said junior defender Tara Dinn. “We didn’t play that clean of a defense. It was very panicked. We actually got lucky only having six goals scored on us.”

Despite the struggles, the Profs got the win, proving that the team can prevail through their struggles.

“I don’t think our work ethics as a whole was there,” said head coach Lindsay Delaney. “Sometimes, I’ve been told, you have to win ugly. I think you have to win ugly and win together, and they did that, and I can appreciate that.”

Rowan closes out its regular season next Thursday at 6 p.m. at Coach Richard Wackar Stadium against Montclair State University. With a win against the Red Hawks, the Profs will earn a clean sweep of the New Jersey Athletic Conference. A victory will also make for a valid argument to the NCAA Division III Tournament selection committee.

“This is our next opportunity, so it’s important for us to [close the regular season] with the best possible record, with best possible end to the season, and also winning games against Montclair and TCNJ to make our mark,” Delaney said.