After a slow start in the first quarter, Hofstra’s defense was able to hold off Junior Jesse King and the Ohio State Buckeyes 7-5 for its third consecutive win.
The Pride improves to 3-2 on the year with the win while Ohio State drops to 1-4.
Sophomore attacker Sam Llinares recorded a hat trick for the Pride while Senior Co-Captain Torin Varn added two along with solo goals by fellow Seniors Drew Coholan and Lance Yapor to secure the win.
The Pride were able to hold off King ranked 14th nationally in goals per game entering Saturday’s matchup to only one goal and one assist. Hofstra Head Coach Seth Tierney credited much of Hofstra’s defensive efforts to Sophomore Finn Sullivan who was successful against King.
Hofstra was 3-6 on the extra-man opportunity while Ohio State only capitalized on one opportunity out of five. Both teams shot an even 24 and Hofstra won the ground ball battle 25-24.
Junior midfielder Turner Evans scored two for the Buckeyes while King, Junior attackman Reegan Cormeault and Freshman midfielder Sean Giampietro each added one.
At the faceoff X, Buckeyes Freshman Jake Withers went 10-15 while Hofstra Freshman Kris Clarke went 6-15 also giving an opportunity for Junior Connor Horl who went 0-1.
Back in net, goalie Chris Selva earned Hofstra the win with eight saves while Ohio State’s Greg Dutton made six saves.
Hofstra will host Colonial Athletic Association opponent University of Delaware at 3 pm next Saturday, March 15 at James M. Shuart Stadium.
