MADISON, N.J. (March 27, 2019) – Senior Michael Warg and junior John Belanger combined for seven goals as the FDU-Florham men's lacrosse team downed Drew University 8-6 in the Battle of Madison Ave. Wednesday evening.

The Devils improved to 4-3 on the season while Drew dropped to 1-9.

Just 2:06 into the game, the Devils were able to draw first blood in the matchup. Junior Mike Gartner caused a turnover, and off a successful clear, freshman Zane Johnston found Warg for the opening tally. With a shade under four minutes left in the opening quarter, the Rangers were able to level the game at one. The Devils answered back 1:40 later, capitalizing with the man advantage. After the Rangers were assessed an interference minor, Warg tallied his second goal of the night off a pass from Belanger.

The Rangers would tally the next goal 2:30 into the second period, and grabbed their first lead of the night with 5:16 remaining in the half. Warg completed the hat trick nearly three minutes later, taking advantage of a Michael Adragna caused a turnover. Off a successful clear, Johnston and Warg hooked for the second time in the contest. Drew had one chance to take the lead before intermission, but junior Adam Reifer made a key save with nine seconds remaining,

FDU held a slim 17-15 shot advantage and went 8-for-9 on clears over the first 30 minutes while forcing nine turnovers.

Reifer made four big saves in the third quarter to keep the Rangers at three goals and were able to break the deadlock with 1:44 left in the stanza. Belanger recorded his 18th goal of the season, netting an unassisted marker to give FDU the 4-3 edge. The Devils bridged the third and fourth periods with five consecutive goals.

A slashing penalty to the Rangers opened the fourth and final period, and Warg cashed for his fourth goal of the game. This time, it was junior Pat Stewart who handed out the assist. 1:18 later, Johnston scooped up a Belanger missed shot and pushed the Devils edge to 6-3. 

Belanger completed his hat trick with a pair of goals 2:14 apart as the Devils closed out their scoring. Junior John Guido picked up the helper on the second Belanger marker. The Rangers cut into the lead with three goals over the final 5:15, but were unable to get any closer than two.  

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
•    The Devils picked up their first win over the Rangers since March 29, 2016, when they won 9-7.
•    Warg netted four goals for the time this season and has registered at least one point in all but one game this season.
•    Belanger tallied his fourth hat-trick of the season and has recorded at least two points in every game this year.
•    Reifer earned his fourth victory of the season, making 13 saves in the win.
•    Defensively, Adragna and freshman MacGyver Hay combined for five caused turnovers, while Hay led the way with five ground balls.

UP NEXT
The Devils open conference play next Wednesday, heading to Pennsylvania to take on Delaware Valley. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.