Big First Half Leads Princeton over Yale

Game Recap: Men's Lacrosse | 3/25/2023 5:27:00 PM | Tim Bennett

Lyons scores four goals to pace Bulldogs

PRINCETON, N.J. – A rainy, windy and cold afternoon at Sherrerd Field at Class of 1952 Stadium didn't slow down Princeton's offense. The Tigers erupted for a season-high 23 goals and knocked off Yale 23-10 before the 415 fans that braved the elements.

Jack Monfort scored the first goal of the game just 1:07 in, but then Princeton's Coulter Mackesy went off in a big way. He scored the next five goals, the fifth coming early in the second quarter. By halftime, the Tigers had built the lead to 12-3.

The Bulldogs tried to mount a comeback in the second half as Chris Lyons and Thomas Bragg scored early, but Princeton again had an answer. This time it came from Christian Ronda, who had three third-quarter goals to thwart Yale's rally. The Tigers' lead was 18-7 after three.

Lyons, who entered second in the nation in goals per game, finished with four goals, his fifth hat trick of the season, to lead Yale. Bragg added three. Monfort, Max Krevsky and Brady McDermott scored once. Matt Brandau was held without a goal for the first time in his outstanding career (46 games). He did contribute two assists.

Mackesy finished with eight goals to lead Princeton, which snapped a four-game losing streak. Ronda added four goals.

The Tigers outshot the Bulldogs 66-43. Yale committed an uncharacteristic 22 turnovers, nearly double its season average.

The Bulldogs were 2-of-3 on extra-man opportunities but Princeton scored five extra-man goals.

Yale (3-3 overall) is 0-2 in Ivy League play. The Bulldogs travel to Penn next Saturday. The opening faceoff is slated for noon.