Leonardtown, Md.---The Wheeling Jesuit men's lacrosse team trailed 6-2 at halftime against Belmont Abby, and outscored the Crusaders 5-0 in the second half for a 7-6 come-from-behind victory at St. Mary's Ryken High School in Leonardtown, Md. The second half shutout was bolstered by a stifling team defensive effort, which was led by Corey Luebbe (Fr., Centerville, Ohio), Matt Maccario (Jr., Springfield, Pa.), Austin Grimes (Sr., Hartland, Wis.), Ed Monahan (Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa.) and Jim LaPenna (Jr., Bel Air, Md.).
 
"I'm very proud of our team, and this was one of the most exciting wins I have been a part of,” said Head Coach Jay Sothoron. “We don't make it easy on ourselves but we make it fun to watch.”
 
Luebbe disrupted Belmont Abby's offensive flow, causing four turnovers while picking up four ground balls. Maccario's physical play also resulted in Crusader turnovers. The preseason all-American caused three turnovers and grabbed five ground balls, while Grimes caused two turnovers and secured four ground balls and Monahan followed with a pair of turnovers and ground balls.
 
LaPenna, WJU goalkeeper, recorded the comeback victory, denying all Belmont Abby's second-half shots and collecting six saves.
 
Josh Lambert (So., Hilliard, Ohio) dominated X, winning 12-of-the-17 face-offs as the Cardinal offense exploded for five goals in the second stanza. Kevin Figaniak (So., Perkasie, Pa.) ignited the offense with three goals and an assist, and Tyler Buchan (Fr., Burnaby, British Columbia) provided a spark, finding the pipes twice. Tyler Johnson (So., Columbus, Ohio) and Hunter Bushnell (Fr., Windsor, Ontario) added a goal apiece, while Johnson, Landon DelPrince (So., Powell, Ohio) and Brian Frank (So., Huntingtown, Md.) recorded assists.
 
WJU started the game slow, falling behind 4-1 by the end of the first quarter when the Cardinal defense began to make a stand. In the second quarter, Belmont Abby touched the back of the net twice, and Jesuit answered with one goal, trailing 6-2 at the break.
 
Wheeling Jesuit's defense totally neutralized the Crusaders' offense, and the Cardinals' attack fired four shots to the back of the cage to tie the game at six goals each for the final 15-minutes of play. In the fourth quarter, Figaniak delivered the final blow and rattled the cage for the last time, while the Cardinal defense continued to battle, denying Belmont Abby's late charges to tie the game.
 
“We did not play a pretty game, but we fought hard and beat a good team.  Hopefully, this win gives our young team confidence going into Assumption on Thursday," said Sothoron.
 
The Cardinals will be back in action on Thursday, March 8 at St. Mary's Ryken High School against Assumption College. Face-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.