Men’s Lacrosse Wins NCAA Opening Round Game

Wednesday, May 11

7:00 p.m.

University of Delaware

12-5

Robert Morris University

10-6

Robert Morris

DELAWARE

Photo by: Mark Campbell

5/11/2022 8:56:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse

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Delaware sets new NCAA Tournament team record for points scored with 20

NEWARK, Del. – The Delaware men's lacrosse team was phenomenal in its NCAA Tournament opening-round game, as they set a new high for tournament points with a 20-8 victory over Robert Morris (10-6).

"I'm so proud and so excited for this team," said head coach Ben DeLuca. "They've worked so hard for an opportunity like this and to have a performance like that. From day one they have bought into this process. They played so well under the lights at Tubby Raymond Stadium and it was great and really special. Today's game was a quick turnaround and it didn't deter them. Every one of them has worked their tail off this season."

Hosting their first NCAA Tournament game in over 10 years, the Blue Hens jumped out to a 3-0 advantage over Robert Morris of the ASUN to start its opening-round game. Tye Kurtz scored at the 13:21 mark to start the scoring and JP Ward and Kyle Kivinski added goals to aid in the fast start. Robert Morris managed to score its first goal at the 8:19 mark, but that did not deter Delaware (12-5) as it responded with four goals to end the quarter.

Ward scored his second goal of the game and the first of the second quarter for Delaware when his acrobatic spin move led to a goal and a 7-1 advantage for the Blue Hens. Ward's hat trick came with 8:59 to go in the quarter. Mike Robinson and Nick Jessen chipped in on UD's seven-goal scoring spree that tied their season-high of 10 points at the half.

The third quarter started just like the first. Delaware scored three consecutive goals to get the second half going before Robert Morris squeaked out back-to-back goals to make it a 13-4 ball game in favor of the Blue Hens.

A behind-the-back #SCTop10 type goal by Miller got Blue Hen fans up out of their seats, as the goal made it a 14-4 game. Miller's goal sparked a six-goal scoring streak for Delaware. Robert Morris scored four of its eight goals in the final nine minutes of the fourth quarter.

Demetrius Stevenson's goal with 1:38 remaining in the game gave the Blue Hens a new season-high in goals scored in 2022 with 20.

"I think it's all about the week of practice leading up to it," said Ward. "The coaches did a really good job of putting in a game plan and being able to execute it against a really good team tonight. I'm glad we were able to get it done."

Matt Kilkeary made nine saves in the cage to improve to 7-2 on the season. Owen Grant had three ground balls and two caused turnovers.

The Blue Hens advance to the first round of the NCAA Tournament and will play at Georgetown on Sunday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. The game will be aired live on ESPNU.

For more information on Delaware men's lacrosse, visit BlueHens.com and follow DelawareMLAX on Twitter and Instagram.