Golden Wolves Outshine Eagles, Bechler Ties Program Record for Goals in a Game

HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata men's lacrosse team lost to visiting Alvernia University, 14-7, Saturday afternoon at Gibbel Stadium. 

Sterling Bechler led the way for the Eagles with five goals, an assist, three ground balls, and a caused turnover. Liam Walsh added two assists and a ground ball while Brayden Yeager had two assists of his own with three ground balls. Max Young tallied a goal and an assist with two ground balls, while Zane Kromer added one goal. Landon Heddens had three caused turnovers and two ground balls. Griffin Umstead made 18 saves in goal. 

Bechler found Young for the game's opening goal five minutes in. The Golden Wolves scored four minutes later, and the first quarter ended 1-1. 

Alvernia controlled the second quarter, as they outscored Juniata 3-1, with Walsh setting up Bechler for the only Eagle goal of the quarter. Juniata trailed 4-2 at the half. 

The Golden Wolves scored off the faceoff to begin the third, but the Eagles narrowed the gap as the Yeager to Bechler connection produced two goals while the Eagles were a man up to make it 5-4. The teams scored one more time each, with Bechler adding his fourth to make it 6-5, but Alvernia took control the rest of the way. The visitors scored twice more to lead 8-5 after three. 

Alvernia outscored the Eagles 6-2 in the final frame. 

The Golden Wolves had a 56-37 advantage in shots. Juniata kept Alvernia from scoring during the four times they were a man-up. Bechler's five goals are tied for the most goals in a game in program history. 

JC returns to action next Saturday against Pitt-Bradford.