ERIE, Pa. - - A four-goal burst in the third quarter allowed 14th ranked Mercyhurst to pull away from the Wilmington University men's lacrosse team in a 15-10 loss in the 2024 season opener at Saxon Stadium on Saturday.
Josh Weston scored to start the third quarter to bring the Wildcats (0-1) to within 6-4, but then the Lakers (1-2) went on a 4-0 run to regain momentum and suppress the Wildcats' thoughts of an upset.
TJ Caton opened the scoring with his first goal of the game 1:57 into the match. But the Lakers scored the remaining three goals of the first quarter to lead, 3-1, after 15 minutes. The Wildcats outshot the Lakers, 7-6, in the first quarter, but only two were on frame. They also had a game-high seven turnovers in the first quarter, missing out on key possessions.
The Lakers scored the first two goals of the second quarter as well, making it a 5-0 run before Josh Weston found the back of the net for his first collegiate career goal. Miles Crouse scored the final goal of the half, bringing the Wildcats to within 6-3 at the halftime break.
Weston tallied his second goal of the game to start the second half, bringing the Wildcats to within 6-4 with 12:23 to play in the third quarter. But then the Lakers rattled off four straight, taking a 10-4 lead with 3:40 showing on the clock. TJ Caton stopped the run, and Crouse scored his second of the game to end the third, but the Lakers held onto an 11-6 lead going into the final frame.
Back-to-back goals pushed the Lakers lead out to 14-7 before Jimmy Cava scored back-to-back goals and Logan Stinson made it three in a row for the Wildcats, getting to within 14-10 with 4:54 to play. Lucas Price came up with back-to-back saves, but the clear attempt was turned over and the Lakers found the back of the net to stem the tide, 15-10, with 2:09 to play.
Logan Stinson led the offense with two goals and two assists while Miles Crouse, Jimmy Cava, TJ Caton, and Josh Weston all added two goals each. Jacob Herman dished out two assists as well. Both Connor Widmer (6-of-14) and Carnell Lofton Jr (6-of-15) won six face-offs. Lucas Price made 13 saves in the season opener.
The Wildcats are on the road for three games to open season, heading to 13th ranked Pace next Saturday. The game in Pleasantville, New York, is set for a 3:30 p.m. opening face-off.