For the first time in history, Emerson men’s lacrosse defeated Springfield College in a New England Women’s and Men’s Conference game. On Saturday, March 23, amidst pouring rain at Rotch Field in Boston, the Emerson Lions secured a historic 12-10 victory over the Springfield Pride in an exciting NEWMAC showdown, temporarily tying MIT for third place in the NEWMAC standings.
The game consisted of many twists and turns, but those who trekked to the game as the sky poured ended up being in for a treat. Despite initially falling behind, the Lions seized control of the game by staging an impressive comeback by the end of the half, scoring five consecutive goals to pull ahead 10-8.
Senior midfielder Nicholas Fulgione drove the team’s offensive efforts, contributing seven crucial points with four goals and three assists. Graduate student and goalkeeper Malcolm McGrath also played a vital role in the victory, making 16 saves and thwarting Springfield’s scoring attempts with finesse.
While Springfield took an early lead with swift plays and goals, Emerson’s dominant second-half display overshadowed their opponents’ efforts. The Lions’ solid defense and strategic maneuvers in the later quarters ensured their historic win.
The game is a huge victory for fans, players, and affiliates of the men’s lacrosse team. One parent said the game was “awesome”; another Lions fan on the sidelines said it was “a huge win. A huge one. One that we needed.”
An Emerson College men’s lacrosse team player scrambles for the ball against a Springfield College player on kickoffs during the game against Springfield College on Saturday, March 25, 2024. The Emerson Lions triumph over Springfield with a final score of 12-10. (Feixu Chen/ Beacon Staff)
Emerson College men’s lacrosse team substitutes stand on the sidelines and cheer on their teammates on the field during the game against Springfield College on Saturday, March 25, 2024. (Feixu Chen/ Beacon Staff)
Emerson College men’s lacrosse team Head Coach Matt Colombini talks to the team during a timeout at a game against Springfield College on Saturday, March 25, 2024. (Feixu Chen/ Beacon Staff)
Emerson College men’s lacrosse team supporters cheer for the players during the game against Springfield College on Saturday, March 25, 2024. (Feixu Chen/ Beacon Staff)
Spare gear placed on the sidelines during the game against Springfield College on Saturday, March 25, 2024. (Feixu Chen/ Beacon Staff)
The game concludes with Emerson’s win against Springfield at Rotch Field on Saturday, March 25, 2024. Players on the sidelines, including Jack O’Rouke, left, Charlie van Beuren, center, and Toby Cunningham, right, realize that they have won. (Sasha Zirin/ Beacon Staff)
Emerson College men’s lacrosse team player John Marcone (1) gives Josh Demattos (6), left, a high five during the game against Springfield College on Saturday, March 25, 2024. (Feixu Chen/ Beacon Staff)
Emerson College men’s lacrosse team members and affiliates are surprised when they realize they have scored and are on the verge of winning during the third quarter of the game against Springfield College on Saturday, March 25, 2024. (Sasha Zirin/ Beacon Staff)
A Springfield player chases an Emerson player with a lacrosse ball during the second quarter of the game on Saturday, March 25, 2024. (Sasha Zirin/ Beacon Staff)
Springfield College men’s lacrosse team gathers after the game upon losing to Emerson on Saturday, March 25, 2025. (Sasha Zirin/ Beacon Staff)
