It was another unseasonably cool May evening in southeastern Wisconsin last night. Good thing the Mukwonago and Marquette boys lacrosse offenses were on fire.
The Hilltoppers managed to outlast the Indians for a 16-15 victory in Mukwonago during the Amplify Lacrosse Game of the Week. Marquette — the No. 4 team in the state, according to the Wisconsin Lacrosse Coaches Association poll — tied its second-highest scoring output of the season to squeak by Mukwonago, who matched its best offensive production of 2019 thus far.
“There were elements of the game that were amazing – our offense was clicking,” Marquette coach Rich Pruszynski said. “There’s something to be said for that. I’m glad we pulled it out. But we didn’t play the type of game we like to play, or the type of game we’re used to playing.”
If you’re a fan of tons of goals and near comebacks, this was the game for you. Marquette (7-4) led by five goals four different times throughout the contest, and Mukwonago (4-7) managed to stay within striking distance until the final buzzer.
Senior attack Sean Duffey put Marquette ahead, 15-11, with 3 minutes, 47 seconds left in the third quarter with his fifth goal of the game. Duffey led all scorers in the game, and he leads the Hilltoppers with 35 goals for the season.
“Sean’s a team leader and captain, but he walks the talk,” Pruszynski said. “He goes out and does what he says he’s gonna do.”
The Indians began chipping away at the Hilltoppers’ lead with a three-goal run, including back-to-back goals from senior Kade Hollern that cut Marquette’s lead to 15-14. However, Marquette senior Calvin Schneider sealed the victory when he scored his third goal of the game with 40.6 seconds left to play. Mukwonago senior Zack Scheunemann scored his fourth goal with 1.7 seconds left to make the score 16-15, but that would be as close as the Indians would get.
“I think these guys will finally be able to see their potential,” Mukwonago coach Alex Kramer said. “We’ve had a lot of close games with top-10 teams this season.”
For Marquette, the tightly contested nonconference game was a good test for the Hilltoppers, who have a difficult week ahead. Marquette will face Arrowhead, Franklin and Appleton United in the next three games.
“I think this was just a kick to our butt, honestly,” Duffey said. “We just can’t make these mistakes like we have. It was a wake-up call, that’s for sure.”
Marquette juniors Robert Schmidt and Daniel Read added three goals apiece for Marquette. For Mukwonago, Hollern finished with four goals for the game, and senior Michael Gindhart added three. Junior David Steinberger scored twice for the Indians, as well.
Mukwonago faces Wauwatosa and Bay Port next week.
Each week WisconsinLacrosse.com will highlight a select game from around the State of Wisconsin. Made possible by a donation from Amplify Lacrosse.
Each week, WisconsinLacrosse.com will highlight a select game from around Wisconsin. Made possible by a donation from Amplify Lacrosse.
