In a riveting showdown marked by tactical intensity and emotional swings, Hobart College staged a spirited late comeback but ultimately fell short against St. Lawrence University. Despite closing a significant gap in the final minutes, the Statesmen couldn’t overcome their deficiencies early on, leaving fans and analysts wondering what exactly changed in those crucial last moments. The matchup, which was filled with momentum shifts and individual heroics, will be dissected not only for the final score but for the dramatic shift in gameplay that almost rewrote the ending.
This isn’t just another tally in the win-loss columns for either team—it’s a telling example of how college-level lacrosse games can morph in their closing minutes when intensity and stakes reach their peak. Hobart’s resurgence came too late to tip the scales, but their performance in the final stretch revealed both their potential and underlying issues. For St. Lawrence, it was a lesson in maintaining composure under pressure and defending a hard-earned lead when it mattered most. Let’s dive into what made the final minutes of this contest so pivotal—and why Hobart’s energy surge could hint at things to come.
Game summary at a glance
| Matchup | Hobart College vs. St. Lawrence University |
|---|---|
| Final Score | St. Lawrence 12 – Hobart 10 |
| Venue | St. Lawrence University Field |
| Date | March 30, 2024 |
| Key Performer – Hobart | Tommy Doyle (4 goals) |
| Key Performer – St. Lawrence | Ryan McKinley (2 goals, 3 assists) |
The early deficit and missed opportunities
Hobart found themselves trailing by as many as five goals halfway through the third quarter, a byproduct of sluggish ball movement, limited possessions, and costly turnovers. The Statesmen took too long to establish rhythm, allowing St. Lawrence to capitalize on their early dominance at the faceoff X. The Saints jumped out to a 6–1 lead, with midfielder Ryan McKinley orchestrating multiple scoring opportunities as Hobart’s defense struggled to adjust.
Despite possessing aggressive offensive talent, Hobart’s early attacks lacked coordination and urgency. Midfielders attempted iso plays instead of working through offensive sets, which played into St. Lawrence’s defense-first strategy. Meanwhile, Hobart’s transition game was nearly non-existent until late in the contest—something Coach Christopher O’Brien later noted as a missed window for momentum building.
What changed in the final minutes
The last five minutes became a different game entirely. Hobart tightened their ride, started exploiting matchups off picks, and worked the ball through X more effectively, resulting in three quick goals that brought the crowd to life and the deficit to a mere two goals. Tommy Doyle, who had been relatively quiet for much of the first half, found his step and scored twice within 90 seconds to give Hobart a glimmer of hope.
More importantly, faceoff specialist Julian Mercado won three straight draws—breaking a second-half stretch where St. Lawrence had dominated that aspect entirely. With increased possession and crisper ball movement, Hobart began breaking through the Saints’ zone formations, showcasing the kind of offensive chemistry that had eluded them for much of the game.
“You could see the belief return to the team in those final minutes. They were aggressive, decisive, and stuck to our gameplan for the first time all evening.”
— Coach Christopher O’Brien, Hobart College
St. Lawrence’s answer under pressure
While the momentum shift leaned heavily Hobart’s way, St. Lawrence demonstrated why they remain one of the most disciplined teams in DIII lacrosse. They weathered the run without relinquishing control entirely. With under two minutes remaining, sophomore goalie Ethan Sharpe made a point-blank save on what could have been the equalizer. It was the turning point that stopped Hobart’s comeback cold.
St. Lawrence’s composure extended beyond key saves. Their defensive unit effectively used clock management and double-teams to slow down Doyle and the rest of Hobart’s offense. Clearing operations, which had been shaky earlier, improved in response to Hobart’s high pressure ride, showcasing the Saints’ ability to adapt in tense late-game scenarios.
“We’ve rehearsed those pressure situations all season. It was about execution and keeping calm—that’s what got us the win.”
— Ryan Delaney, Defensive Captain, St. Lawrence University
Moments that defined the game
Analyzing the box score only tells part of the story. There were several moments that shaped the dynamic of this game:
- **5:39 in the third quarter** – A failed clear attempt by Hobart allowed St. Lawrence to regain possession and score a backbreaking goal to widen the gap to 9–4.
- **2:12 in the fourth quarter** – Tommy Doyle’s run-and-dodge resulted in a top-shelf finish that cut the deficit to 11–10.
- **1:04 remaining** – Ethan Sharpe’s clutch save sparked a clear and ultimately secured victory for the Saints.
Impact on postseason outlook
While this result leaves Hobart with a disappointing loss, there’s still optimism as they head deeper into conference play. Their performance in the closing minutes revealed a team capable of high-caliber offense and resilient defense—just not for the full 60 minutes. For St. Lawrence, this solidifies their bid for a top seed, showcasing a balanced team that knows how to close out close games.
Both teams will need to address specific challenges. Hobart must improve faceoff sustainability and early game urgency, while St. Lawrence might need to review how to maintain mid-game intensity without lapses. But if there’s any positive takeaway for Hobart fans, it’s that the Statesmen have found the firepower—they just have to unleash it earlier next time.
Key performers and statistical leaders
| Player | Team | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Tommy Doyle | Hobart | 4 Goals |
| Ryan McKinley | St. Lawrence | 2 Goals, 3 Assists |
| Julian Mercado | Hobart | 12 Faceoff Wins |
| Ethan Sharpe | St. Lawrence | 11 Saves |
Winners and losers from Saturday’s clash
| Winners | Reason |
|---|---|
| St. Lawrence Defense | Kept control under pressure; key late-game stops |
| Tommy Doyle | Burst onto the scene late, nearly sparked full comeback |
| Julian Mercado | Faceoff dominance in last quarter helped shift momentum |
| Losers | Reason |
| Hobart Midfield | Slow to initiate offense early; lacked cohesion |
| Game Management | Late decision-making errors cost Hobart valuable time |
What both teams can learn moving forward
Games decided in the final minutes often reveal more than those won in blowouts. Hobart’s rally is a testament to their depth and tenacity, but it also underscores key areas of improvement. St. Lawrence now knows it can survive late surges, a vital trait moving toward tournament play. For both squads, this game may serve as a landmark moment—not for how it ended, but for what it revealed within.
Quick answers to common questions
Who won the game between Hobart and St. Lawrence?
St. Lawrence University won the game, defeating Hobart College 12–10.
How did Hobart perform in the final minutes?
Hobart staged a late four-goal run and showed strong offensive execution, but their effort fell just short of a full comeback.
Who were the key players in the game?
Tommy Doyle (Hobart) and Ryan McKinley (St. Lawrence) stood out, along with goalie Ethan Sharpe who made crucial saves.
What led to St. Lawrence’s early lead?
St. Lawrence capitalized on faceoff dominance, efficient clears, and strong midfield coordination to build an early cushion.
Did any strategic changes impact the late game?
Yes, Hobart improved their ride, increased tempo, and adjusted offensive sets to create better scoring chances late.
What does this mean for Hobart’s season?
The Statesmen remain competitive, but need to fix slow starts and improve time management to contend down the stretch.
Was the game close throughout?
No, St. Lawrence held a significant lead for most of the game before Hobart mounted a late surge in the final minutes.
How important was this win for St. Lawrence?
Very important—it solidified their standing as a top-tier program and demonstrated their ability to close out games under duress.