MEDFORD - The sixth-ranked Tufts University men's lacrosse team outscored #20 Endicott College 4-2 in the fourth quarter of a back-and-forth contest to pull out a 12-10 victory on Wednesday night at Bello Field. Leading the offensive charge for the Jumbos once again with five points (four goals, one assist) was sophomore attacker Clem McNally (Far Hills, NJ).

In a battle of two one-loss teams that featured four ties and three lead changes, Tufts (8-1) scored twice in the final five minutes to win. For Endicott (8-2), sophomores Nick Cosco (Londonderry, NH), finishing with three goals and an assist, and John Ortolani (Billerica, MA), with 16 face-off wins, contributed to much of the offense.

The Jumbos started the game in control, scoring the games first three goals. Senior Chris Connelly (Wilton, CT) scored second, book-ended by two from McNally. Tufts was about to finish the first quarter up 3-0 until senior Dan Ryan (Billerica, MA) scored an unsettled goal with four seconds left. The Gulls and Jumbos exchanged goals in the second period and Tufts took a 5-3 lead into intermission.

Endicott burst into the second half with a five-goal third period, including two man-up goals from Cosco and Dan Cain (Billerica, MA) to take a 7-6 lead with 5:29 left in the period. Tufts battled back with two consecutive goals to take an 8-7 lead, including one from McNally who took a feed from senior tri-captain Mark Warner (Wading River, NY) at X and fired a one-timer past Endicott goalie Sean Kearney (Mahopac, NY). Endicott would have the last say with six seconds remaining in the third, with a goal by Josh Gilbert (Simsbury, CT) tying the score at 8-8.

The fourth quarter featured the Jumbos taking control by winning ground balls, face-offs and taking smart shots to escape with the win. After Tufts went up 10-8 and Endicott battled to tie it at 10-10, Jumbos Chris Connolly (Wilton, CT) and Chase Bibby (Marblehed, MA) scored for the final 12-10 margin.

Sophomore goalie Matt Harrigan (Darnestown, MD) turned away twelve Endicott shots for the Jumbos. Kearney finished with 12 saves for the Gulls.

Endicott (8-2) 1 2 5 2 = 10
Tufts (8-1) 3 2 3 4 = 12

Goals: T, Clem McNally 4, Chris Connelly 2, Mark Warner 1, Chase Bibby 1, Matt Lanuto 1, Jamie Atkins 1, Michael Ludwig 1, Mike Cortese 1; E, Nick Cosco 3, Dan Ryan 2, Josh Gilbert 2, Eddie OReilly 1, Brandon Dube 1, Dan Cain 1.

Assists: T, Connor Ginsberg 3, Warner 3, Joe Cavallo 1, McNally 1; E, Ryan 2, Cosco 1, Gilbert 1, OReilly 1, John Ortolani 1, Taylor Wuenneman 1.

Saves: E, Sean Kearney (60:00 - 12 GA) 8 saves; T, Matt Harrigan (60:00 - 10 GA) 12 saves.

2007-04-12