The No. 18-ranked Loyola University Maryland men’s lacrosse team lost to No. 15 Army West Point, 15-9, on April 18 at Ridley Athletic Complex in Baltimore.
The game was significant for both teams as they compete in the Patriot League and look to improve their standings before the end of the regular season.
Army West Point started strong with a four-goal run, including two goals within five seconds by Brayden Fountain and Robert Simone. Loyola responded with its own four-goal streak, beginning when Mike Brescia scored his first collegiate goal at 4:16 in the first quarter. Matthew Minicus followed with two goals and Connor Wilbur added an unassisted tally to tie the score at four.
In the second quarter, Army West Point regained momentum with goals from Gunnar Fellows and Sam Ralston. Luke Murphy answered for Loyola, but Army extended its lead by scoring three more times before halftime. The Black Knights led 9-5 at halftime and continued their run into the third quarter, eventually building an 11-5 advantage.
Loyola attempted a comeback as Mason Cook and Minicus scored unassisted goals early in the fourth quarter, narrowing Army’s lead to four. However, Fellows and Hill Plunkett scored for Army to restore a six-goal margin. The Black Knights finished with nine different players scoring goals and held a decisive edge in shots taken (46-28).
Minicus led Loyola with five points on four goals and one assist during the game.
Looking ahead, Loyola will close out its regular season against the U.S. Naval Academy on Friday, April 24 in Annapolis, Maryland. The matchup will be broadcast live nationally on CBS Sports Network.
