Men's Lacrosse: Bison earn overtime win over Tigers to open 2024 season

BETHANY, W.Va.- Bethany's Men's Lacrosse kicked off their 2024 season at home Friday night. They notched a win in a thrilling 13-12 overtime game against the Division II Holy Family Tigers. This was a historic game for the Tigers as it is Holy Family's first ever men's lacrosse matchup.  

THE BASICS

Final Score: Bethany 13, Holy Family 12 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• Holy Cross started off fast taking a 2-0 lead; James Bienia scored Holy Family's first ever goal. He was assisted by Julian Definis who would go on to score their second goal. 

• Bethany took back the momentum scoring two goals of their own before the end of the first quarter. The first offensive points of the season came via freshmen Ethyn Taylor and Rutherford Sampson on unassisted goals.

• The Bison came roaring back from break finishing the half on an 8-0 run. They shot 60% in the second quarter scoring six unanswered goals.  

• The third quarter started with Holy Family's Adam Cimille dishing a pass to James Biena- who scored on an inside shot. Bethany then began to pull away as Taylor scored another unassisted goal and the Cameron Russo-Tyler Britton connection was established on two consecutive Britton goals. Bethany held their largest lead of the game at that point 11-3. A few goals were traded nearing the end of the third period with the Bison still holding a commanding 12-5 lead. 

• The Tigers claimed their own unanswered quarter as they went on a seven goal run to tie the game. The final two goals were scored by Julian Definis with under a minute on the game clock. The Bison had an opportunity to score with time running out, but failed to capitalize. The first game of the season entered overtime tied at 12. 

• Holy Family won the faceoff in sudden death overtime. They came out of a timeout giving the ball to Adam Camille, who already had a goal and an assist up to this point. Camille's shot was wide. While scooping the ground ball, defensive specialist Christian Funari caused his game-leading eighth turnover and gained possession of the ball. A successful clear gave Bethany a chance to end the game coming out of the timeout. 

• Russo drove the ball into the center of the Tiger defense. Russo faked a shot and threw a sideways pass to Justice Smith for the game winning goal. The Bethany Bison started their season with an overtime walk-off against a Division II school to enter the win column at 1-0. 

BISON TOP PERFORMERS 

• Tyler Britton led the team with four goals while having one assist 

• Eythn Taylor and Justice Smith each had three goals, with Taylor also earning an assist 

• Cameron Russo led the team with four assists 

• Christian Funari caused eight turnovers 

• Bethany Goalie Christian Nestor had 19 saves on 31 Holfy Family shot attempts 

WHAT'S NEXT 

The Bison will host Grove City to open Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) play on Tuesday, February 13th. The game is set to start at 6 PM.