RECAP >> In a tightly-contested back-and-forth non-league affair, it was Emmaus coming up with the road victory on Saturday afternoon as the Hornets remained perfect on the season pulling away late for a thrilling 10-8 win over Scotch Plains-Fanwood, New Jersey.
Senior Evan Bhagat scored a season-high four goals, including two late ones in the decisive fourth quarter, as Emmaus improved to 10-0 overall.
The Hornets also defeated Scotch Plains for the second consecutive season, using a similar late-game rally a year ago to defeat the Raiders 13-9 at Memorial Field.
Junior Michael Leschinsky scored a pair of goals, his team-leading 24th and 25th of the season in the win, while seniors Blake Thomas and Devon Boyko along with sophomore Zach Whalen each scored a goal and added an assist. Junior Grant Hawkins had a game-high three assists to go along with his fourth goal.
Emmaus trailed 4-3 at the half, then used a four-goal third period to regain the lead at 7-6 before outscoring the hosts 3-2 in the final quarter to pull out the win.
The game was tied 8-8 with a little over four minutes remaining in regulation when Bhagat put the game way with a pair of goals.
Scotch Plains, which lost its third straight game and dropped to 3-4 overall on the season, was led by junior Aidan Guma who had a pair of goals and two assists. Seniors Anthony Porter and Noah Costanzo each added two goals in the loss.
Emmaus will be back in action next week as they begin an all-important three-games in six-day stretch that includes key EPC games against rivals Central Catholic on Monday at home at 6:30 p.m. followed by a road contest at Parkland on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Hornets will also travel to Wilson West Lawn for a non-league game at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Monday’s game against Central Catholic will be broadcasted live on www.pennsportsradio.com beginning with the pregame show at 6:15 p.m.
Follow @Emmaussports.com on twitter and ‘like’ Emmaus lacrosse on facebook to keep up to date on the team throughout the season.
Emmaus – 2-1-4-3 – 10
Scotch Plains – 2-2-2-2 – 8
Em goals – Evan Bhagat 4, Michael Leschinsky 2, Zach Whalen, Blake Thomas, Devon Boyko, Grant Hawkins
Em assists – Hawkins 3, Blake Thomas, Leschinsky, Whalen, Boyko
SP goals – Aidan Guma 2, Anthony Porter 2, Noah Costanzo 2, Matt Monroy, Tommy Nakonechny
SP assists – Guma 2, Thomas Larmore