LEICESTER, Mass. - Becker College defeated Regis College, 6-4 in ECAC New England Semifinal men's lacrosse action Wednesday evening at Alumni Field. The win lifts the Hawks' record to 15-5, while the Pride's season comes to end with a record of 9-8.
The Hawks opened the scoring with 9:11 remaining in the first quarter when Blake Boutiette (Burriville, R.I.) netted his 19th goal of the season. Becker added to their lead when Dan Johnson (Plymouth, Mass.) fed David Deschenes (Gales Ferry, Conn.) for his 48th goal of the season.
Becker senior Shane Balestracci (Pawcatuck, Conn.) put the Hawks in front 3-0 when he tickled the twine 2:53 into the second period.
The Pride got on the board with 9:14 remaining in the first half when Matt Vogan (Billerica, Mass.) scored after gathering a loose ball in front of the Hawks' net.
The Pride pulled within one when Peter Leighton (Wilmington, Mass.) scored a point blank goal with 7:48 remaining in the third quarter. Becker extended their lead to 4-2 just 38 seconds later when Balestracci scored from ten yards out. Regis made the score 4-3 with 1:25 remaining in the third period when Vogan scored his second of the game.
John DeAngelis (Swampscott, Mass.) opened the fourth quarter when he scored on a jump shot, putting Becker in front, 5-3. Regis cut the deficit to 5-4 with 3:19 remaining in regulation when Alex Ferran (Miami, Fla.) scored top shelf after rolling around the backside of the Hawks net.
DeAngelis secured the win for the Hawks when he split the Regis defense with 42 seconds left on the clock.
Becker goalie Jeffrey Candee (Madison, Conn.) made eight stops, while Breandan Crane (Billerica, Mass.) turned away 16 shots for Regis in the losing effort.
Becker advances to the ECAC New England Finals, which will be played at the winner of the Salve Regina and Mitchell Semifinal game. The finals will be held on Friday, May 9 with the time to be determined.
Release courtesy of Becker Sports Information