Brody Eastwood scores five goals as Stony Brook shocks No. 12 Princeton
Stony Brook attack Brody Eastwood celebrates after scoring in a game against Princeton on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at LaValle Stadium. Credit: George A. Faella
Everything came together for Stony Brook in its 13-10 men's lacrosse upset of No. 12 Princeton on Saturday.
The unranked Seawolves' best lacrosse was on display at LaValle Stadium, whether it was overcoming a three-goal second-quarter deficit behind yet another sterling performance by Brody Eastwood (five goals) or holding off a late rally behind standout goaltending by freshman Brandon Maciejewski.
"This is the best performance we've had since I've been here," said coach Jim Nagle, in his fourth season. "They played great. I was very, very proud of my team. They really pulled together."
Added Chris Hughes, who had three goals and two assists: "When we move the ball and play defense [like] we did, we're a pretty dangerous team."
Whether that will translate into a top 20 ranking in the U.S. Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Division I poll did not concern Nagle. "The polls really don't play into what we do," he said. "We just focus on being the best team we can be."
The Seawolves (9-2) had a big second quarter, turning a 4-1 deficit into a 7-6 halftime lead over the Tigers (6-3). Eastwood scored three of his goals in the quarter. "We weren't possessing the ball like we should have, always throwing it away," he said. "We really picked it up."
Eastwood became only the second Stony Brook player to register at least 40 goals in each of his first three seasons, joining Jordan McBride (2008-11).
Maciejewski made three vital saves in the final 2:30, including one on Kip Orban (five goals).
"Brandon was huge today in goal for us,'' Hughes said. "Stood on his head a bunch of times and made saves when we needed him most. Brandon never gets rattled.''
Said Nagle, "Brandon had ice water in his veins."
Mike Rooney, Matt Schultz, Ray Bitzer, Alex Corpolongo and Matt Robison also scored for Stony Brook. Challen Rogers had three assists and Rooney picked up two. Mike MacDonald had three goals for Princeton. Ryan Ambler and Bear Altemus had one each.Stony Brook women win. Courtney Murphy had three goals and Kylie Ohlmiller, Michelle Rubino, Amber Kupres and Dorrien Van Dyke also scored as No. 9 Stony Brook (11-0, 3-0 America East) beat visiting Albany, 7-5, in women's lacrosse. Albany (9-2, 3-1), which entered ranked second in the country in scoring, was held to eight shots.
