AMHERST – The UMass men’s lacrosse team never fell behind by more than three goals, but never took the lead and fell 11-9 to No. 1 St. Joseph’s in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 Tournament at Garber Field on Thursday.

In their regular season meeting on April 6, St. Joseph’s held No. 4 UMass to a season-low 28 shots and seven goals in a 12-7 decision. UMass’ offense struggled again on Thursday afternoon against a staunch Hawks defense led by Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year Levi Verch. 

UMass’ 23 turnovers were a new season-high and almost double their season average. Several came on the clear and gave the Hawks extra possessions. Goalie Matt Knote made 19 saves, but St. Joseph’s advantage in possessions and shots (48-34) were too much for UMass to overcome.

“It was really the zone,” UMass coach Greg Cannella said. “We couldn’t not penetrate it, but we couldn’t get off good shots.”

UMass and St. Joseph’s mostly alternated goals throughout the game. Neither team scored more than two in a row. But every time UMass got back into it, St. Joseph’s ride and early offense took the momentum back. 

In the second and third quarters, St. Joseph’s scored within the first 15 seconds of the opening whistle. On four separate occasions, UMass either tied or brought the lead to within two goals only to watch St. Joseph’s respond within 90 seconds.

“Those are the ones where you feel like you have to end the possession,” UMass head coach Greg Cannella said. “When it’s 8-7, or 9-8, you have to end the possession, you cannot allow them another opportunity to score.”

After a season-low goal output against the Hawks four weeks ago, Cannella wanted UMass to attack them from different spots. The Minutemen felt like they needed to dodge against St. Joseph’s short-sticks from behind instead of up top. But the Hawks played more zone than UMass expected, especially in the second quarter where they held UMass to a single goal. Though UMass did score a few goals from outside, it wasn’t enough.

Fifth-year attack Matt Tobin scored a hat-trick, including a pair from distance. Senior Shane O’Leary added two goals and two assists.

St. Joseph’s attack Levi Anderson scored a game-best four goals. Two came on off-ball actions where he got a free shot at the cage and his last goal put the Hawks up 11-8 with 4:27 remaining.

“They forced us to slide, and whenever they had an opportunity to score, they scored it,” Cannella said. “That’s the difference in the game right there.”

As the final whistle blew and the Minutemen walked to Knote’s net for their team huddle. Players had their hands on their heads, their hips and their teammates shoulders. Several had tears staining their eye black. Tobin, who has played 59 games over five years at UMass, got emotional when talking about his time in Amherst.

“It was the best five years of my life,” Tobin said. “I’m most proud of the relationships I built over the years. Very special to me, best friends for life and there’s nothing like this place. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.” 

He stopped, choked up a bit and cracked a smile.

“Actually my brother made it, and I followed him. Credit to my brother.” 

Then he stopped again and thought for a second.

“This place.”