WILKES-BARRE, PA (April 27, 2022) – A slow first half doomed the Monarchs as they dropped a MAC Freedom contest to cross-town rival Wilkes 18-5.
 
The Colonels dominated the first half of play. Luke Palladino got the day started for Wilkes, scoring within the first minute of play. Palladino's goal was just the first for the Colonels as they shut out the Monarchs 4-0 in the first quarter. Wilkes had 4 different goal scorers in the first quarter.
 
Wilkes continued their run into the second quarter. Eric Ormsby scored just over a minute into the second quarter to extend the Colonel lead. Alex Myers notched 2 more for the Colonels and Ethan Weaver tallied 1 as Wilkes led King's 8-0 at the end of the first half of play.
 
Both teams struggled early in the third quarter until senior Brendan Gambino finally got the Monarchs on the board thanks to the assist from first year Matt Kimberlin. The Colonels answered back just under a minute later to regain their 8 goal lead. Just under 2 minutes later, graduate student Gabe Vansuch earned his first of the game to knock the deficit down to 7. A 4 goal run for Wilkes extended their lead to 11. Gabe Vansuch tallied his second of the game to stop the run with just 6 seconds left on the clock in the third quarter. Vansuch has senior Paul Trabucco to thank as Trabucco is credited with the assist. The Monarchs found themselves down 13-3 at the end of the third quarter.
 
Eric Ormsby got the Colonels going again in the fourth as he notched his third of the game. The Monarchs answered back with 2 goals of their own. Brendan Gambino earned his second goal of the game thanks to an extra man advantage. Just under 2 minutes later senior John Shaffer scored his first goal of his career to cut the deficit to 9 as the Colonels led 14-5. Wilkes closed out the fourth quarter on a 4 goal run to walk away with an 18-5 victory.
 
The Monarchs were led by 2 with 2 goals apiece as Vansuch and Gambino each tallied 2 of their own. Vansuch and Gambino each picked up 3 groundballs apiece along the way. John Shaffer, Matt Kimberlin, and Paul Trabucco each had a point apiece as Shaffer had a goal while picking up 1 groundball and anchoring the defense with 2 caused turnovers. Junior Matt Wall played the full game between the pipes stopping 14 shots along the way while picking up 4 groundballs.
 
Alex Myers led the Colonels on the offensive end, totaling 8 points on 6 goals and 2 assists. Eric Ormsby added 4 goals of his own while picking up 1 groundball. Colby Opromolla and Brendan Keegan each had 3 caused turnovers to lead the Colonels defense. Ryan Lasher is credited with the win in net as he saved 6 shots and picked up a first half shut out. Daniel Cox played the entire second half, allowing 5 goals while making 3 saves. 
 
The Monarchs will close out their season this Saturday, April 30 at 1:00 PM as they hit the road to take on FDU-Florham in Madison, NJ.