Towson’s quick start not enough

Reigning NCAA champion Virginia rallies to prevail

By Baltimore Sun Staff

Towson opened its men’s lacrosse season impressively against host Virginia on Saturday but couldn’t keep pace with the reigning NCAA champions, falling 20-11 in Charlottesville.

The Tigers jumped to a 4-2 lead, but the Cavaliers closed the first half on a 9-1 run to take command.

Sophomore attackman Payton Cormier led the Cavaliers (1-0) with six goals and an assist, while freshman Connor Shellenberger and senior Charlie Bertrand both scored four times in the victory.

Senior Brody McLean and junior James Avanzato each scored three times for the Tigers, who play their home opener next Saturday against Saint Joseph’s.

Towson was playing without head coach Shawn Nadelen on the sideline. The university announced Friday afternoon that Nadelen would serve a “self-imposed” two-game suspension after the lacrosse program self-reported a violation of an unspecified NCAA compliance policy.

Utah 12, Bellarmine 7: Jordan Hyde scored four goals and Tyler Bradbury added three goals and an assist as Utah (1-1) turned back Bellarmine (1-1) on Saturday.

Zach Johns made nine saves for the Utes and JC Higginbotham also had nine for the Knights

Landon Trout led the losers with a pair of goals.

No. 1 Duke 12, No. 7 Denver 10: The top-ranked Duke men’s lacrosse team outscored No. 7 Denver 8-2 in the second half for a thrilling comeback victory to open the 2021 season Friday.

Attackmen Brennan O’Neill and Michael Sowers both had four points to pace Duke in the scoring column.