Tackling the big boys

By LARRY HILLIARD
Ledger Sports Editor

Limestone’s David Wooster fires a shot at the Bellarmine goalkeeper. Wooster had two goals as the Saints topped the Division I school, 14-7.

The Limestone men’s lacrosse team has a message for its upcoming playoff opponents: We’re ready!

The Saints improved to 14-0 with a 14-7 victory over Division I Bellarmine University at Saints Field Saturday.

Bobby Woody paced the Saints with four goals and Jesse Buppert added three. Roger Vyse had two goals, including one midway through the third quarter to break the school’s record for points in a season with 89. Kyle Zents and David Wooster also had a couple of goals for the Saints.

A skirmish between Bellarmine’s Cameron Adams and Saints’ goalkeeper Marty Ward in the closing moments of the first half seemed to energize the Saints. Adams was assessed a 3-minute penalty for throwing a punch at Ward, who stopped his point-blank shot.

Trailing 3-2 at the half, the Saints scored the first seven goals of the third quarter to take command.

Bellarmine jumped to a 2-0 lead before the Saints responded to tie the game on goals by Woody and Buppert.

Ward had eight saves for the Saints, who outshot Bellarmine 39-24.

Midfielder Nolan Heavenor was outstanding, winning 15 of 21 faceoffs.

Prior to the game, the Saints honored their 12 seniors, who have posted a 55-7 overall mark.

Play was stopped in the first quarter when Limestone senior midfielder Patrick Cardiff was transported to the hospital after being struck in the head.

Limestone will play Mercyhurst on Saturday.