Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/23/19
From Press Release
For the past two years, a culture of being blue-collar, tough-minded and gritty has been infused into the University of Delaware men’s lacrosse program.
That mindset is shining bright through the first three games of the 2019 season with the Blue Hens grinding out a third straight win to start the year, a tough 8-4 defensive battle over Monmouth, the preseason favorite in the MAAC.
“I’m really proud of our effort defensively. I think Matt DeLuca’s doing a great job in goal for us, erasing some terrific shots that Monmouth was able to get on target this afternoon,” head coach Ben DeLuca said. “It really started with him, but our whole unit has really done a great job of being coached up and really executing the game plan.”
Defensively, Matt DeLuca racked up 13 saves in goal, his third straight with double-digits and 17thin 30 career games. He now leads the country with a 5.10 GAA.
The Blue Hens forced 19 turnovers from the Hawks, 13 of which were caused, led by three from senior Austin Haynes (Moorestown). Delaware forced three failed clears from Monmouth to control the midfield.
Offensively, senior Dean DiSimone (St. Augustine Prep) notched his second straight hat trick and seventh of his career, including the first two of the afternoon. Junior Bryce Reid (Avon Grove) added two, while classmate Charlie Kitchen (St. Augustine Prep) had a goal and an assist in the victory.
“I really think it’s a whole team effort defensively right now. Our long poles and midfield are really doing a great job and giving me a chance to see the shots that I need to see and be able to make the save, it’s really a full unit working together,” Matt DeLuca said.
Delaware set the tone early with DiSimone scoring two goals in the first 90 seconds of action to quickly put the Blue Hens up 2-0. Kitchen and Joe Eisele (St. Augustine Prep) also added first quarter goals to push the lead to 4-0.
After the Blue Hens forced another turnovers by the Hawk, Stephen Tortora turned it into offense, racing down the field and firing home his first collegiate goal with seven minutes to play in the first half and gave Delaware a 5-0 cushion.
Monmouth was finally able to break through with just over two minutes left in the half.
The defenses shined in the second half, limiting each side to one goal apiece in the third quarter, but goals from Reid and DiSimone in the final four minutes of the game would secure the 8-4 win for the Blue Hens.
Chris Hervada (Haverford School) had four groundballs and a caused turnover for Monmouth.
