ELMHURST, Ill. –
Mac Harden set the Elmhurst men's lacrosse program's single season goals record as the Bluejays defeated North Central 12-4 on senior day.
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Harden netted a career-high six goals, including all four of Elmhurst's first-half tallies and now has 45 on the season. The Bluejays (7-8, 3-2 CCIW) outscored the Cardinals 8-2 in the second half on their way to clinching a CCIW Tournament spot.
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Three of Elmhurst's four first-half goals came off of North Central turnovers. In the final seconds of the half, the Cardinals (9-4, 1-3 CCIW) had a chance to tie the game. Elmhurst's
CJ Galante caused a turnover and immediately propelled the Bluejays on the clear. Galante dished to
Dan Curley who assisted on Harden's fourth goal, putting the Bluejays ahead 4-2 at the break.
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The Cardinals outshot Elmhurst 20-8, but they only held a 6-5 advantage in shots on goal. Both teams picked up 16 ground balls, while Elmhurst won 6-of-8 face-offs.
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The Bluejays scored the first seven goals of the second half to pull away, including a pair on man-up opportunities.
Dan O'Connell (two), Harden (two),
Matt Westhaver,
Jake Heil, and
Ty Funderburk combined for the 7-0 run. After the Cardinals scored twice late in the game, Westhaver finished off a 12-4 win by netting his second of the game.
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Westhaver and O'Connell both added two goals on top of Harden's six.
Ty Funderburk finished with a game-high three assists.
Nick Bonastia (nine saves) and the Elmhurst defense held North Central's offense to just over a third of its normal offensive output (11.5 goals per game on the season).
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The Cardinals finished with more shots (30-25), but Elmhurst led in shots on goal (17-13). The Bluejays were a perfect 16-of-16 on clears and also held the advantage in ground balls (36-29) and face-offs (12-7).
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Jared Weaver and Ethan Hurst split North Central's four goals on the day. Dylan Cost stopped three shots in the loss.
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Elmhurst finishes out the regular season with a trip to Augustana College next Saturday, April 29. The game is slated to start at 2:00 p.m.