SPRINGFIELD, MA - Sophomore midfielder Joe Shields (Loudonville, NY/Shaker) scored what proved to be the winning goal with 3:36 remaining as Hartwick earned an 8-6 victory over Marywood in a semifinal round game of the ECAC Division III Men's Lacrosse Championship on Saturday.
Shields' goal broke a 6-6 tie and sophomore attacker Harry Hughes (Holtsville, NY/Sachem East) added an insurance goal with 1:41 left as the Hawks advanced to the title game Sunday against the host Western New England Bears.
With the victory, the Hawks inch closer to their fourth ECAC crown in College history. In addition, 'Wick reaches the 10-win mark for just the eighth time in the 47 years of the program and the first time since 2005.
Hartwick (10-8) led 3-2 after the opening period before the Pacers scored three times in the second quarter to take a 5-3 advantage at the half. The Hawks answered with three goals in the third stanza to lead by one entering the final period.
Marywood senior attacker William Roerden tied the game just 2:45 into the fourth quarter and the game remained tied until Shields finally broke through with the game-winner.
Senior midfielder Dave Aitchison (Farmingdale, NY/Farmingdale) led Hartwick with two goals and two assists while freshman attacker Phil Schaefer (Holbrook, NY/Sachem North) added a goal and assist. Hughes scored twice in the game. He becomes the first player in Hartwick history to score 60 goals in a single season.
Sophomore defender Jake Cooper (Manlius, NY/Fayetteville Manlius) contributed five ground balls and freshman goalie Nick Triano (North Andover, MA/St. Johns Prep) compiled seven saves.
Roerden and freshman attacker Riley Dobel each finished with a goal and assist for Marywood. Senior midfielder George Downey IV picked-up five ground balls. Senior goalie Jesse Habich made 14 saves.
Hartwick had a slight advantage in both shots (37-32) and ground balls (25-23). Marywood had the edge in face-offs, 8-7. The Pacers end their season with an 11-7 record.
The Hawks advance to tomorrow's championship against WNEC at 1 p.m. The Bears, ranked #20 in the country, defeated Mitchell 21-6 in the semifinal round.
