The Wilmington College men's lacrosse team established a new record in their three-year history by registering the fifth win in the rout of Defiance, 23-3, Tuesday in non-conference action at Williams Stadium.
Wilmington scored the first 11 goals, keeping the Yellow Jackets off the board for the entire first period and for the first 25 minutes of the contest. In the dominant first period, Wilmington didn't allow a DC shot. In addition, the Fightin' Quakers were 15 of 16 in clear attempts, had a 13-4 advantage in ground balls and forced 12 turnovers.
"I think that's the second game in a row we came out really quick, and just limited our turnovers – the unforced stuff," said Wilmington head coach Domenic Marzano. "We definitely didn't play a perfect game, but we limited a lot of stuff we worked on."
Junior Jalen Jackson (Hilliard, OH/Bradley) was offensively aggressive in the first period, scoring three of his team-high six goals. He was also efficient with his shots, scoring in six of his 10 shots with seven shots on goal.
"Jalen has really done a great job of working off the guys that dodge," said Marzano. "Typically Jalen has been dodge, dodge, dodge, in past years. I think he is starting to get a lot of trust with that first line midfield. Jalen is an intelligent lacrosse player who understands the game. His off-ball play is great."
Wilmington's short-handed defense was spectacular, fending off all eight Yellow Jacket power plays.
The Fightin' Quakers were 42-of-45 in their clear attempts, including a perfect 17-of-17 in the second half.
The Fightin' Quakers scored seven goals in each of the first three periods before along tallying two in the final quarter. WC unleashed 67 shots to Defiance's 17, and the Fightin' Quakers had 41 shots on goal.
"Our shot selection has really improved from our first game against Wabash until now," said Marzano. "Our guys are being a lot smarter in terms where we shoot the ball. They are figuring it out together, and our chemistry is really sticking out to me. We are starting to figure out everyone's strengths and weaknesses."
Freshman Jhordan Lang (Sunbury, OH/Big Walnut) tallied four goals with three assists, and had scored 13 goals in the last three games. Freshman Devon Maki (Pickerington, OH/Central) has scored at least three goals in every game this season, and continued the trend with four goals Tuesday.
Sophomore Reid Delaney (Wooster, OH/Wooster) added three goals and two assists, while junior Evan Osborne (Middletown, OH/Lebanon) had two goals and junior Alexander Gossard (Galloway, OH/Hilliard Bradley) had a two assists and a goal.
Wilmington (5-2) travels to Bethany 2 p.m. Sunday to face the Bison in non-conference action.