ALBION, Mich. – Scott Shepard scored two goals and assisted on the other two as Albion College outscored Alma College, 4-0, in the fourth quarter and earn a 14-10 victory over its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association men's lacrosse rival.
The victory keeps Albion (5-7 overall, 3-0 MIAA) tied with Hope College at the top of the MIAA standings. The Britons will play their next two games on the road, starting with an April 20 date with Kalamazoo College.
Noah Dailey-Chwalibog broke a 10-10 tie with his first goal of his Albion career two minutes into the fourth quarter. Alec Palmer scored his second goal of the day with 9:44 to play and Shepard put the game out of reach when he scored twice in a span of 46 seconds.
Albion seized control early. Drew Harm scored twice, Shepard added a man advantage score, and Gerald Haadsma, Jace Conley and Jacob Swift all scored to boost the Britons to a 6-1 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Albion didn't generate much offense in the second quarter as Alma pulled within one, 6-5, at halftime.
The teams traded goals in the third as the score was tied going into the fourth.
Shepard finished a remarkable week by reaching career highs with five goals and seven points. That came after he scored four goals in the Britons midweek victory over Trine University.
Haadsma had his best day of the season on face-offs, controlling 20-of-24.
Goalkeeper Trevor McManus collected season-high 18 saves, including three on one series when Albion was clinging to the lead in the second half.
Twitter: @Albion_MLax
Joe and Julie Serra have given a $5 million leadership gift to launch a fundraising initiative to make two dreams a reality at Albion College. The first is a newly expanded fitness and student activity facility at the site of the current Dow Recreation and Wellness Center. The second is a new or renovated competition facility for the volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball that currently call Kresge Gymnasium home.
The College is continuing to raise funds in support of both projects. To learn more, call 517/629-0446 or email advancement@albion.edu.