’Hounds hitting their stride
Loyola Maryland dominates Army, 13-4, for third crown in four years
The latest installment of the Patriot League tournament was a reminder of how dangerous the Loyola Maryland men’s lacrosse team can be when it is in a groove.
The top-seeded Greyhounds’ 13-4 victory over No. 2 seed Army West Point to capture the tournament championship Sunday crystallized that sentiment. An announced 1,549 watched Loyola (10-5), which is ranked 16th in the most recent Inside Lacrosse media poll, claim its third tournament crown in four years and become the first program to cement a berth in the NCAA Division I tournament, which begins in a couple of weeks.
In the Patriot League playoffs, the Greyhounds scored a combined 26 goals against No. 5 seed Holy Cross and the Black Knights. And the defense surrendered a total of seven goals in those two wins.
“The guys, in my opinion — and I say it all the time — got what they deserved because they were mentally and physically prepared to play this game today,” Loyola coach Charley Toomey said. “I couldn’t be more proud of this group. They’re playing their best lacrosse right now, and that’s exciting.”
The Greyhounds had plenty of heroes to choose from Sunday, especially the first midfield. Senior Brian Sherlock had three goals and one assist, junior Jay Drapeau added three goals, and senior Romar Dennis produced two goals and one assist. Drapeau has been especially potent against Army this spring, compiling seven goals and two assists in two meetings.
And sophomore attackman Pat Spencer had one goal and Sunday Video: NCAA.com