Lafayette Hill, Pa. – (2/27/2021) – Competition returned to Victory Field #1 for the first time in nearly a year as Chestnut Hill College hosted #4 Seton Hill University in this afternoon's 2021 season opener. Seton Hill University controlled play early, using a 17-3 halftime edge to facilitate their 24-8 win over the Scarlet and Gold. The Griffins were led by junior attack J.R. Howell (East Meadow, N.Y.) who totaled five points with four assists and a late, unassisted, fourth-quarter goal.

Chestnut Hill College (0-1) was able to manage Seton Hill University (1-0) for the opening seven minutes of the contest (2-0, 7:39), but only a tally by senior midfielder Scott Wilden (Wexford, Pa.) interrupted the visiting Griffins' four-goal run to the second quarter, 7-1. Seton Hill University advanced their position in the second quarter, depositing 10 goals en route to a 17-3 halftime spread.

Chestnut Hill College found their footing in the second half, mitigating the final to a 24-8 measure. Howell was the router, directing all three of the Griffins' late third-quarter goals (2:35, 0:37, 0:15) and scoring one of his own in the fourth (24-7, 11:26). It was only followed by the second of two goals from sophomore midfielder Mike Smith (Center Valley, Pa.), who added the game's late tally with 26 seconds (24-8, 0:26) remaining on the clock.

Senior attack Robert Hofseth (Coquitlam, B.C.) led Seton Hill University with nine points (8 goals, 1 assist) and a caused turnover. He got plenty of help from a pair of graduates as midfielder Ryan Manbeck (Thornton, Pa.) (2 goals, 5 assists) and attack Logan Maloni (McMurray, Pa.) (4 goals, 3 assists) totaled seven points apiece. Senior goalkeeper Kevin Mo (Collegeville, Pa.) earned the win (1-0) and made a dozen (12) saves in the opening 37:33.

Howell and Smith's late offense was complimented by a strong Scarlet and Gold debut from freshman Jackson Melnick (Milford, Pa.) and the early defense of seniors, midfielder Billy DiMaio (Holmdel, N.J.) and defenseman Connor O'Donnell (Manchester, Md.). Melnick recorded his first collegiate goal (9-2, 11:26, 2nd), a pair of assists, and a ground ball, while DiMaio hustled to three ground balls, and O'Donnell caused three turnovers. In goal, junior Jake Miller (Castle Rock, Colo.) (41:20) made nine saves and recovered three ground balls in the loss (0-1).

Chestnut Hill College returns to Victory Field #1 on Tuesday, March 9, when they host St. Thomas Aquinas College in a 12:00 p.m. contest.