MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE DEFEATS JUMBOS 12-7 IN MEDFORD

COLLEGE MEN'S LACROSSE FINAL SCORE
Middlebury 12              Tufts 7

 at Medford, MA
Wednesday, April 9, 2003

Goals: T, David Taylor 3, Chris Kollar 2, Bryan Griffin 1, Devin Clarke 1; M, Dave Leach 3, Jonathan Sisto 2, Mike Saraceni 2, Mike Frissora 1, Greg Bastis 1, Chris Davis 1, Jamie Duke 1, Mike Murray 1.

Assists: T, Drew Innis 2, Griffin 2, Taylor 1, Clarke 1; M, Sisto 2, Andrew Giordano 1.

Saves: T, Luke Chicco 19; M, Eric Krieger 10.

MEDFORD – Three-time defending Division III National Champion Middlebury College defeated Tufts University 12-7 this afternoon in a key NESCAC match-up in Medford.  The Panthers (7-1) scored nine second half goals to secure the win and remain unbeaten at 4-0 in conference play.  The Jumbos (5-2) suffered their first loss in the conference, falling to 2-1.

The first half saw some sloppy play on both sides as the players had to deal with a wet field and cold conditions.  The Jumbos, however, were able to take an early lead on the field they had shoveled clear the day before, taking a 4-3 lead into the half. Sophomore David Taylor (Burke, VA) scored twice for Tufts in the first 30.

Tufts took a 6-4 lead six minutes into the second half on a goal by senior Chris Kollar (Middle Island, NY). The Panthers then took over, scoring five third period goals (four straight) with freshman Jonathan Sisto (Duxbury, MA) recording a goal and an assist during the run. They went on to score nine for the half while holding the Jumbos to only three second-half goals, including none in the final quarter.

Middlebury was paced by sophomore Dave Leach (New Cannan, CT), who led the Panthers with a hat trick all in the second half.  Sisto finished with two goals and two assists.  Junior Eric Krieger (Princeton, NJ) made 11 stops in the game for Middlebury to earn the win. Taylor led the Jumbos with three goals and an assist.  Sophomore Luke Chicco (Merrick, NY) was solid in the Tufts’ goal making 19 stops in a losing effort, 12 in the second half.

Both teams continue with NESCAC action this Saturday as the Panthers host the Bowdoin Polar Bears and the Jumbos welcome the Colby White Mules to Ellis Oval.  Both games are at 1 pm.

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