MEQUON, Wis. – Despite a four-goal outburst from junior attacker Liam Walker (Elmhurst, Ill.), the Beloit College men's lacrosse team faced a difficult challenge on the road Saturday, falling 22-5 to conference rival Concordia University Wisconsin at Fitting Field.
The Buccaneers (4-8, 1-7 NACC) ran into a potent Falcons offense early, as Concordia Wisconsin (7-7, 5-3 NACC) stormed out to a 9-0 lead after the first quarter. Beloit faced an uphill battle from the start, being outshot 22-4 in the opening period. Goalie Eric Seo (Woodridge, Ill.) made 14 saves in the initial frame before Christian Moore (Dubuque, Iowa) took over duties and made 4 saves.
Beloit found some offensive rhythm in the second quarter, netting three goals. John Imbriale (Brooklyn, NY) got the Buccaneers on the board with an unassisted goal at the 4:51 mark, making the score 11-1. Less than two minutes later, Walker tallied his first of the day, also unassisted. Walker struck again just before the half, finishing a feed from Imbriale with only 15 seconds remaining in the second quarter, bringing the score to 13-3 at the intermission.
Walker continued to be the focal point of the Beloit attack. He scored the Buccaneers' lone goal of the third quarter at the 3:43 mark, this time assisted by Ryder Story (Salem, Ore.), cutting the deficit to 17-4. Walker completed his impressive individual performance late in the fourth quarter with his fourth goal of the game, unassisted, making it 21-5. Walker was highly efficient, putting all eight of his shots on target.
Imbriale finished the contest with two points on one goal and one assist, taking five shots (three on goal). Story chipped in with one assist.
Despite these individual efforts, Beloit struggled to match Concordia Wisconsin's overall depth and possession control. The Falcons held significant advantages in shots (61-24), ground balls (50-14), and faceoffs (21-10). Samuel Van Der Kolk (Grand Haven, Mich.) handled the bulk of the faceoff duties for Beloit, winning 10 of 30 draws.
In goal, Seo faced relentless pressure over the final three quarters, making 14 saves while absorbing the loss. Defensively, Alexander Klemp (Broomfield, Colo.) contributed two caused turnovers and two ground balls. Beloit managed 18 successful clears in 24 attempts but committed 20 turnovers in the contest.
The Buccaneers remain on the road for their next game, heading to Dubuque, Iowa for another NACC game. They meet the Spartans on Wednesday, April, 16th at 7 pm.
