Mechanics Take Down #17 Drexel University
Heading into Saturday's home game against Drexel University, the Williamson coaching staff knew they would have to set the tone early. Drexel, currently ranked #17 in the latest National Collegiate Lacrosse League's Division II national poll, has been a formidable opponent in the past for Williamson. This time around, the coaching staff's hopes were realized, as the Mechanics scored the first two goals of the game and never trailed, in upsetting the Dragons, 8-5.
Konnor Oreskovich (JR/Glenolden, PA) got Williamson on the board at the 8:06 mark of the first quarter, off a nice assist from Sean Lohr (FR/Springfield, PA). Matt Dickinson (FR/Springfield, PA), back after missing time with an injury, scored an unassisted goal at the 5:49 mark, before Drexel got on the board to make it 2-1 at the end of the first quarter.
Lohr and Oreskovich then traded places, with Lohr getting the goal off an assist from Oreskovich at the 10:14 mark to put the Mechanics up, 3-1. Drexel scored late, at the 2:33 mark to pull to within 3-2, but Lohr added his second goal with just over a minute left in the half to give Williamson a 4-2 lead at the break.
Just as it looked like Drexel was going to make a run, after they pulled within 4-3, Williamson then used a three-goal run over the final 6:47 of the quarter to pull ahead 7-3. Matt Gallagher (SR/Avon Grove, PA), seeing his first action after returning from an injury, scored at the 6:47 mark off an assist from Matt Dickenson. The two reversed roles at the 5:03 mark, with Dickinson getting the goal and Gallagher getting the assist. Anthony Nasella (FR) then scored with just 59 second left to give Williamson the 7-3 advantage.
Everyone knew that #17 Drexel was not going to go away quietly, and indeed they did not. They scored two quick goals to start the fourth quarter, to pull to within 7-5., and had several chances to move even closer but Williamson's defense, led by Chris Meiklejohn (JR/Marple Newtown, PA), Nick DelVecchio and Connor Smith (SR/Springfield, PA), were able to shut things down. Matt Dickenson then took advantage of a key turnover by Drexel and scored unassisted that the 3:53 mark, giving him the hat trick, and sealing the victory for the Mechanics. Jack Welsh (FR/Broomall, PA) and Charles McCue (FR/Collegeville, PA) both saw time in net for Williamson, with Welsh making seven saves, several of which were crucial.
The win moves Williamson to 2-2 on the year an almost assuredly will move them into the Top 20 of the next NCLL Division II poll. Their varsity gets back in action this Wednesday, as they face a huge challenge at home against NJCAA power Mercer County College. That game is scheduled to start at 7:00 P.M.
