FRANKLIN, Mass. (April 15, 2018) – The SUNY Delhi men's lacrosse team played in the coveted fourth and final game of the Dean College Bulldog Classic Sunday, contending against SUNY Canton for the tournament championship. Looking to avenge a 16-3 defeat to the Roos back in March, the Broncos held a 2-1 lead at the end of the first quarter and trailed just 4-3 at halftime. Canton, however, would run away with 13 second-half goals to Delhi's three for a 17-6 win.
Senior defensive midfielder Stephen Harten was selected at tournament's end to the Hampton Inn Bulldog Classic All-Tournament Team. In two games, Harten grabbed four ground balls and caused a pair of turnovers, as well as helping the defense hold Alfred State Saturday to a season-low five goals in the team's 7-5 semifinals victory.
Malik Talbert recorded his fourth hat trick of the season Sunday against the Roos, boosting his team-leading scoring total to 21 goals and 30 points. After Canton drew first blood and John Rohan III tied the game for Delhi on a man-up goal to tie things at 1-1, Talbert delivered his first score of the day to give the Broncos a 2-1 lead to finish the first quarter. The Roos countered with three straight goals to start the second quarter to go up by two goals, but Jeremy Leary gave Delhi the last word of the half with a goal to cut the lead to 4-3 entering the break.
Despite Talbert getting his second goal of the game in the third quarter, it would be Delhi's lone score of the period as Canton let loose for seven goals for an 11-4 advantage entering the final quarter. The Roos would add on six more goals in the fourth, but not without Luke Anderson getting Delhi a man-up goal on an assist by Rohan and Talbert completing the hat trick.
Goalie Eric Morse finished with 17 saves in a full day's work to counter Canton's 43-28 lead in shots Sunday. The Broncos won seven faceoffs, with Mitch Spaziani winning five and Sam Famolare earning two. Delhi succeeded on 10-of-13 clear attempts, scored on 2-of-7 man-up chances and forced the Roos into 14 turnovers.
Coach Sam Miller's team has one more contest this season, welcoming Green Mountain for some home action on Monday, April 23 at 4:00 p.m. at SUNY Delhi. The Broncos will celebrate senior day that day for their five graduates – Luke Anderson, Pearse Crowley, Stephen Harten, Jeremy Leary and Eric Morse – as well as the SAAC holding its Fan Appreciation Day, with free hot dogs and refreshments on tap.
