DETROIT—It didn't even take a full 60 minutes, but the Bellarmine lacrosse team managed to break multiple records as well as ensure a spot in the ASUN Tournament with a dominating 18-3 victory over Detroit Mercy at Titan Field on Saturday afternoon.
 
Due to lightning in the area, the game was halted and called complete with seven and a half minutes remaining in the fourth period.  However, the outcome had been decided well before mother nature came calling. 
 
Playing on senior day, the Titans snared the first goal of the game about seven minutes into the proceedings, but after that brief moment with the lead, it was all Bellarmine.
 
The Knights responded quickly to the Titan goal, scoring three times in the next two minutes to grab a 3-1 lead and control of the game.  Bellarmine simply remained dominant the rest of the way.  The BU defense recorded its ninth shutout quarter of the year in the second while the Knights' offense rolled to a 9-1 halftime lead.
 
After the break, again, the host Titans scored the first goal of the period only to see Bellarmine answer with another run.  This time, it was five straight for the Knights as their lead swelled to 14-2.  The final Detroit Mercy score came with just under five minutes remaining in the third.  Bellarmine again answered with a run, and after Justin Wescoat's goal with 7:20 left in the fourth made the score 18-3, lightning was detected, and the game was called.
 
The victory not only assured the Knights a spot in the ASUN postseason tourney, but it also set the program's D1 record for most wins in a season with 10.  The team also broke school records for points in a season and goals in a season with the 2023 totals climbing to 301 and 193 respectively.
 
"I couldn't be happier for our players, coaches, and all the people who have supported Bellarmine Lacrosse," said Bellarmine Coach Andrew Whitley.  "Ten wins in Division 1 lacrosse is a lot, and it's great to see the efforts of this group be rewarded.  It's a tremendous feeling knowing that we're in the conference tournament and know that we're going to get a few more days together as a team and we're going to get the opportunity to compete for a conference championship."
 
Whitley added that his team was extremely focused today knowing what was on the line. "Our guys were on a mission today and once we settled into the game, we made quality lacrosse plays all over the field," he said.
 
Although most of the school's individual season-scoring records have already been toppled, Kyle Playsted continued to break records.  His four-point performance (3G, 1A) set a new standard in the ASUN for most points in a season by a player.  His total now stands at 72 with next week's regular season finale yet to come.
 
While Playsted enjoyed another record-setting day, Christian Della Rocco was the game's top scorer with five goals and an assist. Benny O'Rourk (2G, 2A) and Jesse Roth (3G, 1A) also posted four-point days for the Knights.
 
"Our attack is a top 10 attack nationally in my opinion," Whitley said "All three (Della Rocco, Playsted, and O'Rourk) have broken the previous Bellarmine single season goal record and continue to share the ball not only with each other but with everyone down at the offensive end. We got point production from 12 different people today (including four guys who are primarily defensive personnel).  That level of unselfishness is what gives us a chance to score in a multitude of situations."
 
Defensively, the Knights also enjoyed a solid day with goalie JC Higginbotham recording seven saves for a save percentage of .700 on the day. Meanwhile, six different players caused turnovers with Jacob Berggren scooping up four ground balls.  Defenseman Brady Long got in on the offensive action today as well, recording his first career points with a goal and an assist against the Titans.
 
"Our defense continues to be the backbone of our program and did a terrific job only allowing 10 shots on goal," Whitley said.  "I think they're underappreciated nationally as a unit, and I believe Jake Berggren, Brady Long, and Nicholas Sheremetta all have pro potential.  JC Higginbotham was a steadying force in goal and not only made the saves we needed him to, but also made tremendous decisions in the clearing game which allowed our transition to get started."
 
Also having a good day was the Bellarmine faceoff unit, which won 16 of 23 draws.  Freshman Grant Guthrie was the main workhorse at the dot, going 15-for-22.
 
Bellarmine closes its 2023 regular season on Saturday at noon when they'll face No. 16 Jacksonville at noon in Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.  Prior to the game, Bellarmine will recognize members of the lacrosse program finishing their careers.  The honorees include Jack Bozik, Matt Ury, Parker Freiberg, Preston Winner, Jacob Berggren, Bobby Gabriel, Jesse Roth, and manager Caitlin Soward.
 
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