LOUISVILLE, Ky.—A strong second half spelled success for the Bellarmine lacrosse team as the Knights won their home opener 14-10 over St. Bonaventure on Saturday afternoon at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.
 
After going into the locker room at halftime tied at 7, Bellarmine came out and pitched a shutout in the third quarter as BU took a 9-7 lead into final frame. 
 
The real turning point in the game came after St. Bonaventure scored its first goal of the half to trim its deficit to 10-8 with 12:43 remaining. The Knights responded with a 4-0 run that gave them a 14-8 lead with less than seven minutes remaining.  The Bonnies answered with a pair of quick goals, but Bellarmine was able to slow the pace for the remainder of the game to hang on for the 14-10 win.

"I'm really happy the way our guys stayed the course throughout the game," said Bellarmine Coach Andrew Whitley. "We felt like if we played consistent disciplined lacrosse and didn't beat ourselves we'd have a chance to win today."
 
Senior captain Benny O'Rourk turned in a big game for Bellarmine with four goals and an assist.  The midfielder was also effective in transition defense, producing three caused turnovers and collecting three ground balls. Also with a five-point offensive day was Christian Della Rocco, who handed out three assists and scored a pair of goals.  

"Benny and Christian did what we expect experienced guys to do which is produce in big moments," Whitley said. He also lauded his defense for its performance in the second half. "JC Higginbotham and the defense responded with one goal over the first 24 minutes of the second half which allowed us to build a lead. That's a tremendous effort by that entire group," he added.

The Knights' Kyle Playsted also turned in a productive outing, collecting a hat trick playing primarily in man-up situations. His three goals gave him 89 points in his career to tie for sixth on the BU all-time scoring list with Adam Gardner.

St. Bonaventure was led by Jake Rosa's three-point performance on a goal and a pair of assists.  Eight different players scored the Bonnies' eight goals.
 
Team statistics showed that Bellarmine was easily the aggressor on the offensive end, outshooting the Bonnies 52-29, including a 24-16 edge in shots on target.  The Knights were also plus-six in the turnover department and held a 35-27 advantage in ground balls.

"I think this game is great sign of our maturation as a team," Whitley said.  "(St. Bonaventure) is an experienced opponent who went to their conference championship game a year ago with a roster that returned predominantly intact. For us to win a game like this is cause for real optimism.  I don't think we would have won this game a year ago. With the score 7-7 at halftime when we haven't yet gotten into a rhythm, and for for us to dig in and stretch a lead against a quality opponent is a good sign."

The victory evens the Bellarmine record at 1-1 while St. Bonaventure opens its season 0-1.
 
The Knights now hit the road for their next three games before returning to Frazier Stadium for a March 4 game against VMI.  Bellarmine's next three games will be at Canisius, at Marist, and against Bucknell in a neutral site game to be played in Wilton, Connecticut on Feb. 28.
 
For more coverage of Bellarmine athletics, follow us on Twitter (@BUKnights), Instagram (BUKnights), Facebook (BUKnights).