ERIE, Pa. — The Mercyhurst men's lacrosse team (2-8, 0-2) fell to VMI (4-4, 1-1) with a final score of 19-13 on Saturday at Saxon Stadium. Despite winning 25 faceoffs, the Lakers could not overcome the opponent's three extra-man goals.

The game commenced with an early faceoff win by the Lakers, but VMI quickly took control with the first goal by Beau Durkin, assisted by Ethan Ostrowski. Despite a strong defensive effort, the Keydets extended its lead with another goal shortly after. Chase Petschke responded for the Lakers, finding the back of the net to put the home team on the scoreboard.

The Keydets continued its offensive push, scoring multiple times to widen its lead. However, the Lakers gained momentum with goals from Robert Madden and Keenan De wit, closing the gap and showcasing their offensive capabilities. As the quarter drew to a close, Dan Buckley scored for the Lakers with just eight seconds left, ending the first quarter with a score of 7-4 in favor of VMI.

Mercyhurst began the second quarter with Lincoln Norfolk winning the opening faceoff, leading to an early goal by Ryan Mahoney at 12:55. This marked Mahoney's season-high performance of three goals. Despite a quick response from VMI's Jack Duncan-Bloom, Mercyhurst regained momentum with Tomaso Biron's goal assisted by De Wit at 7:20, following a faceoff win by Norfolk, who achieved a season-high of 15 ground balls.

The Keydets managed to capitalize on a man-up situation with Ethan Ostrowski scoring to extend their lead. However, Mercyhurst's defense, led by Daniel Schmitz with several key saves, kept the team within striking distance. In the final minute, Colin Tardif found the net on a man-up opportunity, assisted by Chase Petschke, closing the second quarter with the score at 10-7 in favor of VMI.

The Lakers initiated the third quarter with momentum as Ryan Mahoney scored with an assist from Colin Tardif, narrowing VMI's lead. Despite a penalty on Tardif that allowed VMI to capitalize with a man-up goal, Mercyhurst responded. However, VMI increased its advantage with two additional goals, bringing the score to 13-8 in their favor.

The Lakers continued to fight back, with Darrin Santos finding the net thanks to an assist from Petschke. Mahoney added another goal, again assisted by Petschke, reducing the deficit to 14-10. The quarter concluded with the Green and Blue trailing by four goals, setting up a competitive final quarter.

The Lakers began the fourth quarter with a defensive stop, regaining possession after a turnover by VMI. Despite an early goal by Keydet Dayton Bagwell, the Lakers responded swiftly. Madden scored at 10:52, assisted by Petschke, maintaining a close contest with VMI leading 16-11.

VMI expanded its lead with two goals, but Mercyhurst did not relent. Landon Sutherland found the net at 1:45, with an assist from Dan Buckley, marking his first goal of the season, followed by Braeden Mastine's first goal of the season at 1:26, narrowing the gap to 19-13. Despite Mercyhurst's late push, the quarter concluded with VMI maintaining its lead at 19-13.

Petschke led the offensive efforts with one goal and four assists, showcasing his ability to facilitate scoring opportunities. Ryan Mahoney was a standout, scoring three goals on 11 shots, effectively capitalizing on his chances. Madden contributed significantly with two goals, marking his presence in the attack. Norfolk controlled the face-off circle, winning 25 of 36 face-offs to maintain possession for Mercyhurst.

Mercyhurst has an overall record of 2-8 and a conference record of 0-2. VMI has an overall record of 4-4 and a conference record of 1-1.