Men’s lacrosse loses to Michigan

It was a third quarter to forget for the No. 25-ranked Pitt men’s lacrosse team on Saturday… It was a third quarter to forget for the No. 25-ranked Pitt men’s lacrosse team on Saturday against No. 5 Michigan at the Cost Center.

The Panthers (6-2 overall, 3-1 Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association) were outshot 20-4 in the quarter, and allowed seven Michigan goals, propelling the Wolverines (7-1, 3-0) to a 13-8 win and an outright division lead over Pitt. It was Michigan’s 53rd straight divisional win.

Michigan attackman Ray Lombardi powered the Wolverines’ offensive attack with his eight points — three goals and five assists.

“I think we lost the second half due to player fatigue and lack of depth. But overall I think we had a strong showing, and I’m proud of the guys,” said injured midfielder Vlady Tintchev.

Panther midfielder Craig Anderson started the scoring with his only goal of the game at the 13:40 mark of the second quarter. The Panthers went on to score three more goals and held a 4-3 halftime lead over the Wolverines.

After the horrific third quarter, the Panthers found themselves down 10-5.

The Panthers had a three-minute power play in the fourth, but they were unable to net a goal during the man-advantage.

They did however net three goals late, with less than three minutes to go in the game.

Panthers’ goaltender Rich Grant recorded 22 saves in the game, but they were not enough for Pitt to win, as he let 13 goals fly by.

Michigan’s Bobby Groenke also recorded a hat trick in the Wolverines’ win.

Pitt will travel to Michigan this weekend to take on Oakland University on Saturday and Central Michigan on Sunday.

— Jimmy Johnson, staff writer