Joe Amplo and the men’s lacrosse team (along with all their staff) at Marquette need to be congratulated on the program’s first win EVER, which came on the road over a tough and athletic Air Force team, 8-6. Marquette was never behind in the game, and never extended its lead to more than 2 goals, making for a tight contest.
Marquette went up 2-0 and held Air Force scoreless for the first 25 minutes of the games. Air Force did notch a goal before the half expired, inching back into the game, and the teams headed into the half with a 2-1 score line.
Air Force went on a run in the third quarter, and outscored Marquette 4-3 in the frame, setting up a 5-5 tie as the teams prepared for the fourth quarter. Marquette outscored Air Force 3-1 in the final frame to win 8-6, and claim their first ever program victory.
Bryan Badolato had three goals for the Golden Eagles, while Kyle Whitlow had two goals and Conor Gately had a goal and an assist. JJ Sagl had 14 huge saves for Marquette and was a definite difference maker for MU.
Air Force was led by Tommy McKee, who notched 5 goals on the day. Mike Crampton went 1-1, while Keith Dreyer had two helpers. Austin fox was solid in net, making 8 saves and giving up 8 goals to take the loss.
Air Force held a 37-24 edge in shots, and dominated face offs, winning 13 of 16 in the game. Ground balls were even at 22 apiece, and Marquette went 2-2 on man up, while Air Force didn’t convert on either of their two chances with an extra man.
Air Force’s next game in on March 9th at Bellarmine (3-1). Marquette also plays on March 9th, when they travel to Jacksonville to take on the 1-1 Dolphins.