SELINSGROVE, Pa. — The Haverford College men's lacrosse team (5-1) extended its winning streak to five games on Saturday afternoon, edging out Susquehanna University (5-1) at Sassafras Field. The River Hawks suffered their first loss of the 2025 season despite a late comeback attempt. The game unfolded as a battle of momentum shifts throughout the four quarters. Haverford fell behind 4-1 in the opening quarter but responded with six unanswered goals in the second, heading into halftime with a 7-4 advantage.
The Fords are off to their best start to a campaign since the 2011 squad that reached the Centennial Conference Semifinals and went 11-4 overall.
Colin Hulett opened the scoring off a feed from Evan Wolpert, followed by a goal from Philip Passalaqua moments later. Hulett struck again at the 6:05 mark, this time assisted by Tyler Vendetti, while Will Weinstein added another late in the quarter. Haverford stunned the River Hawks with a flurry of goals in the closing minutes, as Vendetti and Wolpert each found the net to give the Fords momentum at intermission.
Susquehanna turned the tide in the third, shutting out Haverford and reclaiming the lead. Gabe Broome capped off the dominant quarter for the River Hawks, making it 8-7 heading into the final frame.
Haverford's offense reignited in the fourth, netting five goals, including two from D'Andre Chaney. His second goal, with 6:23 remaining, proved to be the game-winner. Passalaqua also scored in the quarter, helping the Fords regain control of the contest. However, Susquehanna fought back late, with Kieran Thomas scoring twice and also assisting Chris Ciccarello's tally to make it a tense finish.
With 2:38 to play, Haverford secured a crucial faceoff win from Drew Buck. Wolpert's ensuing shot was saved, but Jacob Abraham responded with a key stop at the other end, thwarting the River Hawks' final push.
Passalaqua led the Fords with three goals and an assist, while Vendetti contributed two goals and two assists. Chaney recorded two goals, an assist, and two ground balls. Kolin Brandeis, Ronan West, and Antonin Hoppmann-Salario each added four ground balls.
Haverford outshot Susquehanna 56-42 and held a 36-23 edge in ground balls. Buck dominated at the faceoff X, winning 18 of 27 draws and collecting 10 ground balls in a standout performance for the senior.
Senior goalkeeper Jacob Abraham was instrumental in the victory, making 17 saves on 42 shots faced. Susquehanna's Augie Granatelli recorded 18 saves. Jack Gaillard led the River Hawks with two goals and five assists, while Thomas notched a hat trick.
Despite going 0-for-6 on extra-man opportunities, Haverford's even-strength play proved decisive, as the Fords committed no penalties themselves.
Haverford now heads to Memphis, Tenn., for a pair of non-conference matchups at Rhodes College in the Volunteer State. The Fords face Hendrix (Arkansas) in neutral-site action on Wednesday, March 12 (2 p.m. ET) before taking on Rhodes on Friday, March 14 (12 p.m. ET).
