QUINCY, Ill. – The Quincy University men's lacrosse team hosted Alabama Huntsville on February 23 at QU Stadium, dropping a hard-fought 13–9 decision in a game that featured multiple momentum swings and a record-setting defensive performance.
Quincy surged out to a strong start, scoring four unanswered goals in the opening quarter.
Jameson Essen struck first, followed by a finish from
Seve Cordero off an assist from
Haakon Steen. Essen added his second of the period before
Mason Luoma capped the run, giving the Hawks an early 4–0 advantage.
The Chargers answered in the second quarter with a three-goal burst to close the gap. Alabama Huntsville continued to apply pressure, but Quincy countered with timely scoring, including a key finish from John Alit, allowing the Hawks to carry a narrow 6–5 lead into halftime despite the Chargers holding a 16–12 edge in shots.
Alabama Huntsville seized control in the third quarter, tying the contest before Aydan Weiszhar delivered his third goal of the game to give the Chargers their first lead. A goal from Logan Pinkerton extended the run as the Chargers closed the period ahead 9–7.
Quincy opened the fourth quarter with renewed energy when
Cooper Karedes cut the deficit to one. Alabama Huntsville responded with consecutive goals to build separation, and although Luoma added his third goal of the afternoon to keep the Hawks within reach, the Chargers secured the 13–9 final.
Cordero and Luoma paced the Quincy offense with three goals apiece, while Essen added two goals and an assist. Steen orchestrated the attack with four assists. Goalkeeper
Austin Vetter recorded 15 saves in the net.
Defensively,
Jonah Pappas delivered a historic performance, recording seven caused turnovers, setting a new Quincy University single-game program record. Alabama Huntsville was led by Chris Aiello's four goals, while Weiszhar and John Alit each added three.
Quincy returns to action Thursday, February 26, at 1:00 PM at QU Stadium when the Hawks host Northwest Nazarene.