Ernst named Patriot League Faceoff Specialist of the Week
2/29/2016 6:26:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Following a strong performance in Lehigh's thrilling 12-11 win over Holy Cross Saturday, sophomore Matt Ernst has been named the Patriot League Faceoff Specialist of the Week, as announced on Monday. Ernst tied a career high in faceoff wins with 16, helping the Mountain Hawks come back from a two-goal fourth-quarter deficit to earn their sixth straight Patriot League opening victory.
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Ernst set a career high with 26 faceoff attempts on Saturday, taking every faceoff for the Mountain Hawks. Ernst won 16-of-26 for the game, also tying a career-high six groundballs. The effort came against a strong opponent in Holy Cross' Joe Reilly, who entered the game having won 55.4 percent on the season (41-of-74).
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Ernst won 5-of-7 first-quarter faceoffs to help Lehigh open a 4-1 lead with 2:23 remaining in the first quarter. He also won 9-of-14 second-half faceoffs, including 4-of-6 in the fourth quarter, which proved critical for the Mountain Hawks.
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Also recognized as honorable mention on Monday was freshman Tristan Rai, who scored three goals and dished two assists, the fourth straight game to begin his career with four or more points. Rai tied the score at 11 via a highlight reel goal with 6:20 remaining in the fourth quarter. He is now tied for the nation's lead in goals with 16.
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The Mountain Hawks return to action on Saturday for another big Patriot League matchup when they host Colgate at 12 p.m.
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Like Lehigh men's lacrosse on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
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Ernst set a career high with 26 faceoff attempts on Saturday, taking every faceoff for the Mountain Hawks. Ernst won 16-of-26 for the game, also tying a career-high six groundballs. The effort came against a strong opponent in Holy Cross' Joe Reilly, who entered the game having won 55.4 percent on the season (41-of-74).
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Ernst won 5-of-7 first-quarter faceoffs to help Lehigh open a 4-1 lead with 2:23 remaining in the first quarter. He also won 9-of-14 second-half faceoffs, including 4-of-6 in the fourth quarter, which proved critical for the Mountain Hawks.
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Also recognized as honorable mention on Monday was freshman Tristan Rai, who scored three goals and dished two assists, the fourth straight game to begin his career with four or more points. Rai tied the score at 11 via a highlight reel goal with 6:20 remaining in the fourth quarter. He is now tied for the nation's lead in goals with 16.
Â
The Mountain Hawks return to action on Saturday for another big Patriot League matchup when they host Colgate at 12 p.m.
Â
Like Lehigh men's lacrosse on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
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