HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University lacrosse team led from the opening whistle to defeat St. Thomas Aquinas College by a score of 11-7 on Senior Day. Kier Johnson was recognized in a pre-game ceremony.

Derian Williams-Sturdivant put the Pirates up early, posting his 14th goal of the season just 57 seconds into the game.  Both defenses settled in with Tyler Senatore evening up the score with a goal for the Spartans nearly eight minutes later.

Hampton answered quickly, capitalizing on a St. Thomas Aquinas turnover. The Spartans won the faceoff, but a quick turnover in the defensive third was picked up by Carter Boone who bounced a shot past the goalie at the 6:15 mark.

Williams-Sturdivant put the Pirates up two off a Preston Randolph assist with 4:10 left to play in the quarter.

Leading 6-3 at the half, Hampton came out strong in the third quarter, scoring two goals in the first 90 seconds to take St. Thomas Aquinas out of the game.
Pierce Johnson worked his way into the offensive zone, finding space for his 26th goal at the 13:49 mark. Robert Gresham III won the ensuing faceoff for Hampton and following the successful clear for HU, Aaron Brown found the back off the net to put the Pirates up 8-3. The five-goal margin was the largest lead of the game for Hampton.

HU led 10-5 in the fourth quarter when the Spartans tried one last comeback attempt, ultimately being turned away.

Thomas Hollway charged toward the goal after a successful clear, finding enough space to score with 11:24 remaining to cut the deficit to four.
St. Thomas Aquinas capitalized on a Hampton turnover on the next possession, with Brenton Mighty finding Tyler Senatore with 6:51 to play in the season finale for Hampton.

The Spartans continued to charge, getting two more shots on goal over the next minute but both were turned away by Paxtin Powell.

Hampton added an insurance tally at 3:04 when Pierce Johnson found Elliott Johnson immediately after the shot clock started on the HU possession.
Senatore led St. Thomas Aquinas (5-10) with four goals and four ground balls. Williams-Sturdivant posted three goals and an assist for Hampton (5-8) while Elliott Johnson added three goals as well. Malcolm Flynn caused two turnovers and scooped five ground balls for the Pirates.

Kevin Mondy Jr. and Powell combined for 17 saves for Hampton, neutralizing a 24-16 shots-on-goal advantage for the Spartans.
HU went 19-for-23 in clear attempts, forcing St. Thomas Aquinas into six unsuccessful clears on the afternoon.

For more information on Hampton University lacrosse, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.