A STATEMENT WIN: RED HAWKS SOAR PAST GWYNEDD MERCY IN A 17–4 MASTERCLASS OF INTENSITY AND EXECUTION

THE PRESS CENTER | THE ROCKY REWIND | SPORTS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2026 AT 7:53 PM

Montclair, NJ — The Montclair State University Men’s Lacrosse team stormed into its home opener with unwavering conviction, completing its season‑opening back‑to‑back with a commanding 17–4 triumph over Gwynedd Mercy on Sunday afternoon at Sprague Field. This victory wasn’t just another early‑season win—it was a bold affirmation of the team’s identity, discipline, and hunger for excellence.

HOW IT HAPPENED — A QUARTER‑BY‑QUARTER SURGE OF CONFIDENCE AND CONTROL

FIRST QUARTER — SETTING THE TONE WITH PURPOSE

• The Red Hawks (2–0) exploded out of the opening face‑off with absolute clarity of intent. JACKSON SIMONS struck in the fourth minute, igniting the team’s momentum.
• Montclair unleashed a flurry of shots and forced turnovers through the relentless defensive pressure of CORBIN QUINTERO and LOGAN LAMARCA, asserting dominance on both ends of the field.
• As the quarter reached its midpoint, BRIAN KELLY and JONATHAN SLUSSER delivered back‑to‑back goals, reinforcing Montclair’s command.
• In the closing minutes, SEAN STEPHENSON forced a turnover that set up Kelly’s second goal, sealing a confident 4–0 lead after 15 minutes of disciplined, high‑energy lacrosse.

SECOND QUARTER — DEFENSE THAT REFUSED TO BEND

• Montclair’s defense tightened its grip, allowing just one shot in the first seven and a half minutes—a testament to their unity, communication, and refusal to yield.
• After a turnover deep in Gwynedd Mercy territory, Stephenson scooped a ground ball and initiated a seamless transition that ended with RYAN VIERBUCHEN scoring off a precise feed from LOUIS AZARA, extending the lead to five.
• Gwynedd Mercy finally broke through with 26 seconds left in the half, but Montclair responded instantly. Out of a timeout, Slusser buried a momentum‑defining goal, sending the Red Hawks into halftime up 6–1 with full control of the game’s rhythm.

THIRD QUARTER — AN OFFENSIVE AVALANCHE

• KAI DONAHUE opened the second half with a goal two minutes in, setting the stage for a relentless offensive surge.
• After a brief Griffins response, Kelly answered immediately, sparking a stretch of eight consecutive Montclair goals that spanned the third and fourth quarters.
• Vierbuchen capitalized on a man‑up opportunity, followed by another Kelly goal after a face‑off win from JACOB HOLICKI.
• Holicki won the next face‑off as well, leading to another Kelly strike—one of several sequences that showcased Montclair’s precision and hunger.
• Vierbuchen added two more goals, pushing the lead to double digits and sending Montclair into the final quarter ahead 13–2, radiating confidence and cohesion.

FOURTH QUARTER — FINISHING WITH AUTHORITY

• Stephenson opened the quarter with a powerful goal following two key saves from NICHOLI HALSE, who anchored the defense with poise.
• Seconds later, Vierbuchen connected with MAX MOROSOFF for another score, followed by a sharp finish from ADRI KOLIQI to extend the lead to 14.
• Gwynedd Mercy added two late goals, but Montclair’s response—highlighted by a strike from RYAN BROWN—cemented the final score at 17–4, closing out the home opener with unmistakable dominance.

INSIDE THE RESULTS — A TEAM THAT REFUSES TO SETTLE

• Ryan Vierbuchen delivered a powerhouse performance with four goals and four assists, finishing just one point shy of his career high.
• Brian Kelly led all scorers with five goals, showcasing his consistency and finishing ability.
• Sean Stephenson and Adri Koliqi each celebrated their first collegiate goals, while Jack Hickam recorded his first career assist—proof of the team’s depth and rising talent.
• A remarkable 12 different Red Hawks contributed to the scoring effort, reflecting a unified, team‑first mentality.
• Montclair outshot Gwynedd Mercy 39–21, putting 24 shots on goal and controlling the offensive tempo from start to finish.
• The 13‑goal margin marked Montclair’s largest victory since March 24, 2024 (20–5 vs. Southwestern).
• Defensively, the Red Hawks allowed just four goals, their stingiest performance since March 2, 2024. They held the Griffins to only one shot on goal in the entire first half.
• Nicholi Halse secured his second straight win in net with four saves, while Corbin Quintero matched his career high with five caused turnovers, anchoring a defense that played with purpose and pride.

FROM THE FIELD — A MESSAGE OF GROWTH AND GRATITUDE

Head Coach Matt Poskay reflected on the team’s performance with clarity and conviction:

“I’m proud of our team for earning our second victory in back‑to‑back days. We had moments where we played sluggish, but our guys responded in the second half with stronger, more disciplined lacrosse. We have a long journey ahead, but this was a meaningful and energizing opening weekend for our program.”

SOURCE CREDIT: MONTCLAIRATHLETICS.COM/SPORTS