Delaware Tech lax comeback falls short in OT in Region 19 finals
Delaware Tech lacrosse came back from a six-goal (12-6) deficit in the fourth quarter to tie Mercer County Community College at 13-13 and take the teams into overtime in the Region 19 finals April 23, at DE Turf in Frederica. Mercer scored three minutes into OT to garner the Region 19 Championship, 14-13.
It was the third time the two schools had met on the synthetic turf this season. The Vikings of Mercer had beaten Del Tech 14-5, March 19 and again 12-8, April 16.
Delaware Tech scored first in the first two minutes of the game. The Vikings quickly tied the game at one. Each team took turns in the lead before the New Jersey-based Mercer jumped up to a 6-4 lead at halftime. The Vikings dominated the offensive end of the field in the third period, garnering a six-goal lead at 10-4. They again alternated scores until Mercer was up 12-6.
That’s when Tech poured on the offense, cranking the rock to outscore the Vikings 7-3 in the last five minutes of the contest to take the championship into overtime.
OT opened with a face-off win by Cam Hellens (Sussex Central), who won 75% of the draws in the contest. Each team had the ball for high-percentage shots, but each goalie came up big, making two saves apiece in the extra sudden-death period.
Mercer’s attacker Owen McAdams, who was the 2024 Region 19 Offensive Player of the Year, scored with just one minute left in OT to give the Vikings the Region 19 Championship.
“Today’s game showed what our team is made of,” said Del Tech head coach Dan Yearick. “Coming back from six goals down in the fourth quarter takes heart, and that’s something we have plenty of. While the overtime loss stings, we’re keeping our heads up. The entire coaching staff is proud of the boys representing Delaware and our community with such character and determination. We’ve got work to do before Saturday’s district playoffs, and this team has proven we’re just getting warmed up.”
Del Tech was led by Landon Hudson (Milford) with eight goals. Tyree Heath (Smyrna) and Ethan Parker (Appoquinimink) each hit the twine twice, and Gabe Smith (Sussex Central) scored one goal.
“We all fought our battle and came up just a little short,” said Del Tech attack Landon Hudson (Milford). “I had the shot in overtime, but just didn’t place it.”
“We were trying to play our own game,” said Tech defense Brady Nicol (Sussex Tech). “We wanted to keep the ball with our offense and let them work. It is what it is. Cam [Hellens] did a great job with face-offs, giving us the chances. Next time we’ll do better.”
The Delaware Tech squad moves on to play in the NJCAA Men’s Lacrosse North Atlantic District Championship Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27.
