WAUKESHA, Wis. - Freshman midfielder Michael Peters (Chicago, Ill.) registered a hat trick, including the winning goal in overtime, to lead the Carroll University men's lacrosse team to a dramatic 8-7 victory over Northland College in a cold, blustery nonconference game at Schneider Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
It was the first victory of the season for Carroll, which improved to 1-1 overall.
The hard-fought effort took on added significance as it avenged last year's early season 4-3 overtime loss to Northland.
Tied 7-7 at the end of regulation, Peters stepped up to the pressure-packed challenge and abruptly scored the game-winner off an assist from junior attackman Paul Kerchberger (Deer Park, Ill.) 48 seconds into the extra period.
Freshman attackman Airik Ranjo (San Diego, Calif.) followed with two goals for the Pioneers, which outshot Northland 32-15 - including a 23-13 shot-on-goal advantage.
Kerchberger, sophomore midfielder Christopher Bechtel (Sammamish, Wash.) and sophomore midfielder Dom Sabbarese (Verona, Wis.) each added a goal.
Sophomore goalie Abe Escrada (Sammamish, Wash.) had six saves in playing the entire 60 minutes for Carroll, which won 11 faceoffs.
"It was a tough fight the entire way on both sides," said Carroll head coach Brian Nowak, whose team led 3-1 at the end of the first quarter. "Our gritty effort, ability to go after loose balls and overall aggressiveness made the difference in the end. Coming off a tough overtime loss to Northland last year, we were fortunate to be put in the same situation this time and capitalize on the opportunity. Michael (Peters) just made a great move to score the final goal and put the game away.
"It was a great feeling to be able to work through the jitters, get the first victory of the season and take another step forward."
Michael Lant had a hat trick for Northland, which dropped to 1-1 overall.