By Dominic Rapposelli
Sports Editor
Washington College men’s lacrosse dropped their annual matchup with Salisbury University in the fifty-sixth War on the Shore. This rivalry dates back to 1974, when WC took 14 of the first 16 meetings. Salisbury improved to 36-20 all-time over the Shoremen, including sweeping the last ten matchups.
A quick start for the Seagulls put them ahead early with a 5-1 first quarter over their Chestertown opponents. The home squad got on the board just over four minutes into the game and added two more before sophomore midfielder Logan Trombley added the first WC goal, and the team’s only goal of the opening quarter.
After the first quarter, the WC defense found their footing against a multifaceted Seagull attack. Junior goalkeeper Will Charvala notched 16 saves in the matchup, a new career best. Charvala took over starting goaltender duties in the middle of the season, a big change for any defense.
“It was a somewhat quick transition for me to go from being on the second string goalie to starting, but I have felt ready and have had amazing support from my teammates and coaches to push me to play my best,” Charvala said.
Senior defensemen Tom Merritt and Tyler Bishop led the team in ground balls that afternoon, each picking up three. The pair have racked up 32 and 30 loose balls on the season respectively, putting them at second and third on the team only behind senior midfielder Gabe Velasquez with 73.
“This has been a tough season for the defense so far after graduating two out of our three starting defensemen last year and dealing with multiple injuries, but we have been finding our own identity and growing together throughout the season,” Charvala said.
On the offensive third, junior midfielder Cory Morgan paved the way with a team towering trio of goals, one in each of the final three periods. Morgan was followed up by senior attackman Luke Brennan who added a pair of goals in the fourth quarter, the final blows from the Shoremen.
“We get the opportunity to play the sport we love almost every day, and there is no better feeling than representing our school and going to battle against some of the most competitive Division III programs,” Brennan said.
Brennan is third on the squad in goals, with 17, and points, totaling 23. He sits behind senior attackman Connor Garrison, who tallies up a team highs with 23 goals and 29 points, and junior attacker Ben Dickinson who found the back of the goal 21 times, and also racked up 29 total points.
“It feels good to be able to contribute and put some points up on the board. I have a great group of players around me that allows me to do what I do; I wouldn’t be in the position I am without them. They make my job easy, I just catch the ball and put it into the back of the net,” Garrison said.
The Shoremen travel to Collegeville, Pa. to take on the Ursinus College Bears on Saturday, April 20 at 3 p.m.