Orangeburg, N.Y. (April 28, 2007)? Brian Murray showed exactly why he will graduate as one of the program's top five most prolific scorers. In the Manhattan Men's Lacrosse season finale, Murray found the back of the net six times to spearhead the Jaspers' offensive effort in their 13-6 victory over Canisius College on Senior Day.
Murray was not the only senior contributor to Manhattan's scoring summary as senior Christian Schaefers netted two goals and classmate Kyle Serbay scored one. The most impressive goal of the day also came compliments of a senior, albeit an unlikely one.
Senior co-captain Clancy spent most of the day locking up Canisius' top attackers; but with a 2-1 lead late in the opening quarter, the veteran defenseman put his offensive abilities on display. After a John Geagan save, Clancy and Murray broke up field on a man down situation. As freshman Sal Spatarella was released from the penalty box, Murray had the ball only steps away from the cage with Clancy trailing closely behind. Murray quickly shoveled it off the Clancy who took one step and buried it past goalie Angus Dinely.
Clancy's defense did not suffer as a result of his newfound scoring ability. He and his mates frustrated the Golden Griffin attack and its centerpiece, 2007 MAAC Preseason Player of the Year, Kevin Ross. Clancy was responsible for causing three turnovers, while junior co-captain Corey Dolik, the reigning MAAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, led the team with five groundballs. Freshman defenseman Kyle Ochwat, junior Shawn Gorinson, and Geagan all picked up three groundballs apiece on the day.
Only one Canisius starter managed to score a goal, while Ross was limited to one assist all afternoon.
Part of Canisius' grief was also due to Geagan's play. The sophomore net minder, who was the 2006 NCAA Statistical Champion in save percentage, made 16 saves.
Manhattan scored four more goals in the second quarter to build a 7-3 halftime advantage. Murray struck twice in the period, while sophomore Angelo Marrano and junior Brian Wynne each scored once.
The Jaspers continued their dominating effort in the second half. After each team scored once in the third quarter, Manhattan opened the floodgates in the final period by netting five goals. Canisius struck first in the final quarter when Alex Caldiero cut the Jasper advantage down to 8-5 2:57 into the frame. The Jaspers then nailed down the victory by answering with five straight tallies?three from Murray, one from Serbay, and one from Schaefers.
Jasper freshman Matt Ryan opened the game's scoring 3:15 into the contest when he converted off a pass from fellow rookie Sal Spatarella. Manhattan made the lead 2-0 at the 7:05 mark of the first period when Schaefers scored his first of the day from more than 15 yards out.
After finishing his second straight season as Manhattan's leading scorer with 32 goals and 18 assists, Murray will graduate as the fifth leading scorer in Manhattan history with 135 career points. His 75 career goals are also fifth all-time and his 60 assists rank him third behind Nick Silva and Eugene Tanner.
Senior Jeremy Marrano, the team's second leading scorer with 16 goals and 7 assists in 2007, also made it onto the all-time goal scorers list with Murray. Marrano's 45 career goals rank him ninth.