OWINGS MILLS, Md. - Stevenson Men's Lacrosse won their first MAC Commonwealth title since exactly five years ago tonight at Mustang Stadium. The Mustangs hosted fourth-seeded Eastern, making short work of them with a 21-3 final for the gold. Their last MAC Commonwealth title came on May 4th, 2019 in a 23-4 effort over Lycoming.
The Mustangs came out on an offensive tear, spearheaded by sophomore Max Racich with back-to-back goals. First year Darrell Curtis assisted on Racich's first goal before he would net his first of the night via classmate Gavin Gossen. First year Hunter Bryant joined in late in the quarter, scoring two straight and citing an assist from Racich. Rounding out the productive first quarter was senior Dillon Linhardt in an extra-man effort, assisted by junior Grant Zick.
Curtis would achieve a hat trick within three minutes of the second quarter's beginning, getting help from Bryant and senior Ryan Quinn. Bryant and Curtis followed with another goal each. Senior Andrew Searing found the back of the net via Racich, who then completed his hat trick with a pass from Zick.
Searing started the third with his second goal of the night, giving junior Jack Scaliti an assist in the effort. Zick scored his lone goal soon after Searing, then Scaliti did the same. Curtis, Searing, and Gossen would each add another goal to their tally before the period expired.
Gossen, Curtis, and Linhardt each scored once in the fourth quarter with assists going to Racich, Zick, and Scaliti, respectively.
Zick leads all Mustangs this season with 44 assists and 79 points. Trailing him in points is Racich with 72 and a team-leading 50 goals.
Curtis' goal total stands at 44 after his 11-goal week, also earning him the crown of MAC Commonwealth Men's Lacrosse Tournament MVP.
Face-off specialists Bradley Bennett and Connor Dunay combined for 22 wins, with Bennett going 14-15 and Dunay finishing 8-11 from the stripe. Bennett totaled a game-high 13 ground balls, setting a new career record. Dunay finished with seven. Gossen, Racichc, Searing, and graduate student Ed Masterson followed with three ground balls apiece.
Masterson and classmate Nicholas Mulvey each caused two turnovers as well.
In net, graduate student Justin Scorese made four saves for the victory. First year Nicholas Parolin entered in relief, making two stops.
The win puts the Mustangs at 13-6 on the season and marks their tenth overall conference title. Stevenson earns an automatic bid to the 2024 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship Tournament, and their first opponent and location will be announced in tomorrow night's selection show at 9 p.m. ET on NCAA.com.
