Box Score
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Senior Ryan Payton struck for seven goals in upstate New York as the Jaspers defeated the Marist Red Foxes 14-13 for their first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) win of the spring.
Manhattan tallied the final four goals of the first half and first three of the third quarter, swinging a 5-4 deficit into an 11-5 advantage. Payton scored four of his game-high seven goals during the stretch, including three while the Jaspers were a man up. Payton became the first Jasper to score seven goals in a game since James Synowiez recorded that number on April 24, 2010, against the Saint Joseph's Hawks.
Marist would not go down quietly, as the Red Foxes responded with a 6-1 run to bring the game to within a goal with 12:51 remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Jaspers put the game out of reach thanks to Payton's seventh tally of the game and junior Marcel Godino's second. This made the score 14-11 Jaspers, and provided enough support for Manhattan to hold on for a one-goal win.
"It's really starting to come together on the offensive side of things for us; we're maturing as a unit," said Jaspers head coach Steve Manitta. "We took 27 shots and scored 14 goals. Our offense was very patient."
The Manhattan defense was quite strong as well. Senior starting goalkeeper Rich Akapnitis made 12 saves on the afternoon. "Richie, Rich played great today; he was outstanding," Manitta said. Long stick midfielder and senior Sean McMahon went 7-13 on faceoffs and collected a team-high six ground balls.
(Courtesy: Will Schneekloth. Photo: Senior Sean McMahon.)
Senior Brett Madarasz had a four point day, notching a goal and three assists. "Brett was great today; he's one of the headiest lacrosse players I've been around in a long time," Manitta said. Junior Andrew Hurst also had a four point game with two goals and two assists.
"We were 3-3 on extra man opportunities in the second quarter, Marist was 0-5 for the game. Our man down unit was great today; it was a total team effort," Manitta said.
For Marist, Mike Begley led the squad with six points (4G, 2A). J.D. Recor added a goal and three assists. Despite conceding 13 goals, the Jaspers defense did an admirable job at shutting down Marist's high-powered offense.
Manhattan returns to action on Tuesday, April 1, for a home game with the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens. The opening draw is set for 3 p.m. The contest will mark the first Manhattan home game since Sunday, March 9, when they defeated the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers 8-7.
