April 12, 2008

Box Score

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst men's lacrosse team, ranked No. 10 in the country, used a stifling defensive effort to upset No. 4 C.W. Post 8-1 Saturday in East Coast Conference play. The Lakers extended their home winning streak to eight games behind a career-high 17 saves from goalkeeper Jason LaShomb.

The defensive pressure gave C.W. Post fits all day and the Pioneers were only able to complete 13-of-21 clear attempts. Mercyhurst, on the other hand, finished 22 of its 25 clears and picked up 30 ground balls to C.W. Post's 26.

C.W. Post actually got on the scoreboard first as Rob Renetta tallied the only goal of the first period just three minutes into the quarter. Mercyhurst opened the second quarter with goals from Ryan Arnold and Scott Sullivan to take a 2-1 halftime lead.

The Lakers built momentum in the third period as Tyler Burton, Aaron Manzer, and Arnold each scored a goal apiece to create a 5-1 goal advantage going into the final quarter. Mercyhurst's steady offense in the fourth period saw goals from Jordan Witt, Mike Bartlett, and Burton. Six different players scored for the Lakers and six of their goals came off of assists.

Burton and Arnold finished with two goals a piece, while Bartlett and Manzer each tallied one. Trevor Rice dished out a team-high two assists and Mike Thon, Witt, Sullivan and Michael Sciulli contributed one assist each.

C.W. Post's Greg Cerar, who entered the game ranked third in the country in goals and fourth in points, was held scoreless as Mercyhurst defender Matt Spahr kept him in check. The Laker defensive unit has allowed just on goal over the past six quarters.

Mercyhurst keeps its hopes of a conference championship and Division II playoff berth alive with the win, improving to 6-3 overall and 3-1 in the ECC. C.W. Post drops to 8-3 on the season and 1-2 in conference play. The Lakers will try to extend their four-game winning streak Wednesday when they host Wheeling Jesuit at 4 p.m.