CLEVELAND – A valiant rally ended in heartbreak Saturday afternoon for the St. Bonaventure men's lacrosse team when Cleveland State netted the game-winning goal 41 seconds into overtime for a 12-11 decision.
The teams were tied, 4-4, early in the second quarter before Cleveland State went on a 3-0 run to seize a 7-4 advantage at halftime.
In the third quarter, Bona closed to within 7-5, but the Vikings ultimately ran up a 9-5 tally midway through the period.
Bona (3-4) rallied back as Patrick Shanahan deposited a pass from Jaxon Dillon for a man-up goal at the 7:41 mark of the third, however the 9-6 score remained until the fourth.
Two minutes into the final period, Cole Kucinski and Blake Maracle connected to make it 9-7 and, with 9:44 to play, Maracle assisted Dillon for a goal to bring the visitors within one.
CSU (2-4) momentarily stemmed the tide when Xander Johnson scored for 10-8 breathing room and 8:37 remaining, followed by a Brennen Hickey score to stretch the lead back to three with 7:11 to go.
The Bonnies scored the final three goals of regulation, however, with Kucinski scoring at the seven minute mark and Shanahan striking 66 seconds later to make the score 11-10.
As the seconds ticked away, Kucinski found Maracle for the tying tally with just 10 seconds to go, forcing overtime.
In the extra period, the Bonnies won the opening faceoff, but a turnover handed the ball back to CSU. Adam Van Voorhis found the back of the net for the game-winner with 3:19 left in the first overtime period.
Kucinski and Dillon posted a team-high four points apiece (2G-2A) while Shanahan registered his second hat trick of the week, also adding three groundballs. Blake Maracle chipped in three points (2G-1A) with Chris Lawrence and Cole Tucker adding a goal apiece.
Defensively, Owen Tasse caused three turnovers while scooping up six groundballs. Isaac Farmer made 12 saves in net.
Jeremy Askin had a strong day at the faceoff dot with 10 wins to go along with seven groundballs.
UP NEXT
The Bonnies return home to play host to Canisius in the non-conference finale Tuesday at 5 p.m.
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