The Quinnipiac Bobcats lost to the defending MAAC champion Monmouth Hawks 9-8 on Saturday afternoon.  

The Bobcats, who were looking for their first win since Feb. 12, started off strong when they had a 3-1 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

The first quarter was everything the Bobcats could have asked for as they played with a fast tempo, lots of energy, and great defense. 

The quarter was capped off with a goal-of-the-year candidate from Quinnipiac senior defender Will DePalma, who launched a deep pass from his own end and after a crazy bounce off the turf, the ball found its way into the back of the net.  

The Hawks picked up the pace after the first quarter, and outscored the Bobcats 3-1 in the second, to tie things up at four heading into the half. 

In the second quarter, tensions seemed to rise when Monmouth junior defender Jack Gertie laid a big hit on a Bobcats attack, and it led to a 2:00 major penalty for the Hawks. 

It was back and forth in  the third quarter as the Hawks came out swinging early, scoring three straight goals to start the half, only to have that lead erased by three goals from the Bobcats. 

The third quarter comeback was led by two goals by sophomore midfielder Steven Germain, who finished with three goals on the day to lead the Bobcats in scoring. 

“If I could mold every single player about somebody, I’ve got multiple players in my locker room I could say this about, but (Germain) is definitely one of them,” Poli said. “His ability to run wings, command our offense, get back in the hole, play defense…. we rely on him a lot to carry the load.” 

The Bobcats grabbed an 8-7 lead in the fourth quarter after a behind-the-back shot from junior attack John DeLucia. After this highlight reel goal, not only was the team energized, but so was the entire stadium. The crowd roared and was the loudest it had been all day. 

The Hawks responded to the goal with one of their own just moments later, setting up for a nerve-racking last 11 minutes. 

The winner came with 4:09 left on the clock when Monmouth senior attack Devin Pipher scored from inside the circle. 

Many thought that the Bobcats tied the game late, as a rocket from the far side of the field went off the side of the net, rippling the netting and sending the crowd into a frenzy momentarily before realizing that no goal was scored and Quinnipiac still trailed. Monmouth held on for the 9-8 victory. 

“Proud of my boys, that’s a really tough Monmouth team,” Bobcats head coach Mason Poli said. “We fought on both ends of the field.” 

The Hawks were led by junior attack Connor Macrae, who continued his breakout season as he added a hattrick of goals to his total after coming into the game with 17. 

The Bobcats will look to get back on track when they play Marist at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 2 at home.