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America East Men's Lacrosse Championship Game

#10 Hofstra 14, #15 Delaware 4
May 6, 2000

Kessler Leads Hofstra to Title Game Victory over Blue Hens

HEMPSTEAD, NY - Tournament Most Valuable Player Tom Kessler scored three goals and dished out an assist as host Hofstra led from start to finish to post a 14-4 win over the University of Delaware and claim the 2000 America East men's lacrosse title Saturday afternoon at Hofstra Stadium.

Keevin Galbraith Was Named to the All-Tournament Team
The 15th ranked Blue Hens, who got one goal each from Jason Lavey, Liam Wertheimer, Fielding Crawford, and Dave Christopher, ended their season with a record of 10-6. No. 10 ranked Hofstra won its fifth America East title in the last six years and improved to 11-4. The win gives the Pride an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. Hofstra avenged an 8-7 overtime loss to the Blue Hens back on April 14.

The Blue Hens, the defending America East champion, were hurt by the loss of Lavey early in the fourth quarter. Lavey, the nation's ninth leading scorer with 71 points, was knocked out of the game with a concussion early in the second quarter and did not return.

After Lavey scored the games first goal two minutes in, Hofstra scored the next four and led 4-1 after the first quarter. The Hens cut the lead to 4-2 when Christopher scored the first goal of the second quarter, but Hofstra answered again and led 6-2 at halftime. Delaware never got closer than five goals the rest of the way.

"Hofstra did a nice job defensively today," said Delaware head coach Bob Shillinglaw. "It really hurt when Lavey was knocked out of the game. We just didn't have quite the depth to recover from that. Hofstra did a nice job sliding over on defense and we didn't find the open man. We got some shots but none to the open net. Hofstra executed well and finished plays. It just progressed from there and the deficit went from a small hill to climb to a mountain."

Kessler, who scored six goals in Hofstra's semifinal win over Towson Wednesday, added three scores and an assist to lead the way Saturday. Scott Dooley added two goals but it was depth that won it for Hofstra as 11 different players scored a goal.

Delaware outshot Hofstra 39-35 with Pride goalkeeper Michael Demeo posting 13 saves. Delaware's Dave Mullen posted 12 saves.

"This group did a phenomenal job this year," said Shillinglaw of his 2000 team, which had to replace 10 starters, including national Player of the Year John Grant from last year's NCAA quarterfinal team. "We came into the season with so many holes to fill and still went 10-6 and advanced to the league championship. I'm very proud of what our guys accomplished this season."

Lavey, defenseman Keevin Galbraith, and goalkeeper Dave Mullen represented the Blue Hens on the All-Tournament team.

AGATE:

Delaware……1…….1…….2.........0…….4
Hofstra………4……2…….4…….2……14

Goals: Delaware - Jason Lavey, Dave Christopher, Fielding Crawford, Liam Werthiemer; Hofstra - Tom Kessler-3, Scott Dooley-2, Ramar Clash, Adam Hananel, Doug Shanahan, Joe Barile, Chris Korzonkiewicz, Brian Spallina, Frankie McDermott, Jim Femminella, Joe Gallina,

Assists: Delaware - Ken Carrington, Jason Motta; Hofstra -Chad Eisenhart-2, Tom Kessler, Bryan Walker, Steve McTigue, Brian Spallina, Michael Tierney.

Shots: Delaware - 39, Hofstra - 35; Saves: Delaware -12 (Dave Mullen), Hofstra - 13 (Michael Demeo); Groundballs: Delaware - 36, Hofstra - 37; Faceoffs: Delaware - 10, Hofstra - 12; Clears: Delaware, 23 of 34, Hofstra - 23 of 28; Penalties: Delaware - 4-4:00; Hofstra - 5 - 3:30; Extra Man Goals: Delaware - 0 for 5, Hofstra - 1 for 4; Attendance: 1,413.

 

- DDD -