Wingate, N.C. – Behind a five-point performance from junior Michael Sciulli, the No. 4 Mercyhurst College men's lacrosse team was able to overcome an early deficit and defeat Wingate, 9-6, Saturday afternoon at Irwin Belk Stadium and John R. Martin Field in Wingate, N.C.  With the win, the Lakers improve to 8-0 in season-opening game under the direction of head coach Chris Ryan.

Sciulli scored four goals and added an assist as the Lakers rallied from a 3-2 deficit with seven straight goals that used up nearly 33 minutes. The Pittsburgh, Pa. native started the attack in the second quarter, scoring back-to-back at 9:53 and 4:12 before opening the third with his hat-trick completing marker at 9:29. After a goal from junior Zach Manuel just 14 seconds later at 9:15, Sciulli knocked home his fourth at 5:04 to put the Lakers in front, 7-3. Senior Mike Bartlett and freshman Ian Wild rounded out the scoring with tallies at 2:12 of the third and 14:29 of the fourth.

Wingate finished game with three goals, including its second man-up conversion, to make the score 9-6 in the final 8:55.

Despite the strong performance through the final three quarters, Mercyhurst fell behind early in the opening frame. After a goal by sophomore Cameron McLean to start the contest, Wingate jumped ahead with two even-strength scores at 8:56 and 3:40 and a man-up conversion at 3:01. Junior Tyler Burton answered the Bulldogs with a tally at 1:55 to close out the quarter.

Senior Jason LaShomb earned the win with six saves while counterpart Chad Watson suffered the loss with 18. Mercyhurst finished the game with a 48-23 advantage in shots.

The Lakers continue their two-game tour of North Carolina on Monday, March 2 with a 1 p.m. contest at St. Andrews.