Box Score
ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Despite 17 saves from senior goalkeeper Matt Lindemann, the Virginia Military Institute men's lacrosse team fell 20-7 to the United States Naval Academy in the 2013 season opener. Of its seven goals, three Keydets accounted for four assisted at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Saturday afternoon.
In freezing temperatures and a windchill in the low 20s, 12 different Midshipmen scored on Saturday. Austin Heneveld led the game with two goals and four assists for six points while teammate Sam Jones and Erik Hoffstadt each had a hat trick along with an assist for four points apiece. Patrick Keena and Pat Durkin logged three points each, Keena with a goal and two assists while Durkin struck twice with once helper.
VMI's offense was paced by Russell East and Mike DeBlasio, who each scored two goals. Bernie Mowbray, Alex Henthorn and long stick midfielder Ty Trobridge accounted for the other three Keydet tallies. Attackman Eric Groleau had two assists, dishing once once to East and DeBlasio. Trobridge's goal came in transition after a successful clear attempt.
In goal, Lindemann's 17 saves marked the eighth time in the last nine games that the 6-5 keeper made double digit saves and second straight game, dating back to the 2012 season finale, Lindemann made 17 saves.
Opposite Lindemann, Nolan Hickey got the win for Navy (1-0) while playing in 45 minutes, stopping five VMI attempts. John Connors came in to relieve Hickey in the fourth quarter, making another five saves, before he too was spelled by Paul Zimmerman for the final 1:25 of the game.
Navy's up-tempo offense rattled off 58 shots, the most VMI has allowed since allowing Siena College 57 in last season's meeting. The Keydets took just 26 shots and were held without double digit shots until the fourth quarter when they took 11. Navy posted double figure attempts in all four quarters of the game.
VMI has a new face at the faceoff X this season, following the graduation of specialist and MLL-draftee Stephen Robarge. Sophomore Gaston Ledford stepped in and won 12 of his 28 draws, but despite the disparity, many of the faceoff chances were 50-50 plays.
It was a tough day for VMI (0-1) in the groundball department. The Midshipmen snagged 46 free balls, while the Keydets had just 23. Navy out-groundballed VMI 12-2 in the first quarter of the game.
VMI will have a week off before heading to another Academy, this time heading even farther north from Lexington to West Point, N.Y. The Keydets and the Black Knights of the United States Military Academy will square off at noon in Michie Stadium.
