Galloway, N.J. – Stockton University (4-4) came out on the short end of a 6-5 decision to Ithaca College (5-2) in a game that featured outstanding defense and goalkeeping on both sides. The 11 combined goals were the least scored in any Stockton game since March 11, 2015 (Stockton 6, Centenary 3).
 
Robbie O'Brien (Springfield, Pa./Springfield-Delco) led the Ospreys with two goals and one assist for three points, which tied for game-high honors. Jack Vandegrift (Jenkintown, Pa./LaSalle College Prep) tallied one goal and one assist.
 
O'Brien scored twice in the first quarter to forge an early 2-2 tie before an Ithaca goal made it 3-2 after one period. The Bombers netted the only two markers of the second quarter for a 5-2 count at the half.
 
In the third stanza, Brian Kelly (Glen Ridge/St. Peter's Prep) and Gage Parker (Gilbertsville, Pa./Boyertown) sandwiched goals around one by Ithaca, and Stockton faced a 6-4 deficit with one period to play.
 
Vandegrift potted a man-up goal assisted by O'Brien with 7:13 on the clock to pull the Ospreys within 6-5. Stockton fired two more shots in the game, including one with eight seconds left, but both were off the mark.
 
Goalkeeper Ben Blum (Mt. Laurel/Lenape) made 14 saves while Shane Phillips (Springfield, Pa./Springfield-Delco) paced the defense with a game-high four caused turnovers and a team-high three ground balls.
 
Ithaca goalie Andrew Minard made 15 saves. Offensively, Sam Baker scored two goals and Graham Brady added a goal and two assists for the Bombers.
 
Stockton will be home again on Wednesday for a game against Eastern University at 7:00 p.m.