Pelton records a hat trick in 14-12 win at Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Senior Bob Pelton recorded his first career hat trick as the Marquette University men's lacrosse held off a second half charge by Jacksonville in a 14-12 victory on Friday evening at D.B. Milne Field.

The Golden Eagles (2-0) led 6-1 after the first quarter but had their lead trimmed to just one, 7-6, in the third. In addition to Pelton's three goals, graduate student Andrew Romagnoli had four points with two goals and a pair of assists, while John Hulsman made nine saves in net. John Wagner and Peter Henkhaus also scored twice in the win.

JU's Evan Tyler led all players with five goals as the Dolphins were out-shot 42-36.

Jacksonville rallied from a 7-3 deficit at the half to pull within one on Bo BowHunter's goal with 11:13 remaining in the third quarter. It was JU's Jack Dolan who began the third with an EMO goal before adding another prior to BowHunter's tally. A total of 11 goals were scored in the frame, including three from Dolan.

Pelton stopped the bleeding on his second marker of the night with 10:21 remaining in the third to put MU back up two, 8-6, and added his third four minutes later. Pelton's final tally was the second of three-straight goals for the Golden Eagles as they expanded their edge to four.

Noah Richard scored 15 seconds into the fourth, but Marquette had to hold off Jacksonville down the stretch as JU scored the final two of the game.

MU's Joe Amplo shared the sidelines on Friday night with JU head coach John Galloway, who served as goalie on the Team USA squad Amplo helped coach to the FIL World Championship last July in Israel.

Marquette improves to 4-2 all-time against Jacksonville and is 2-0 for the fourth time in program history.

The Golden Eagles return to Milwaukee to host Detroit Mercy on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Valley Fields.

Joe Amplo comments on Friday's win and his respect for @JohnGalloway15's @JAX_MLAX program. pic.twitter.com/mjRJkF2tfO
— Marquette Lacrosse (@MarquetteMLax) February 16, 2019

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