Mercer University
Furman
Men's Lacrosse Tops Furman in Overtime, 11-10
3/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Mercer freshman Jackson Kleintz netted the game-winning goal to lift the men's lacrosse team to an 11-10 overtime victory against Furman at Paladin Stadium on Saturday night.
Mercer's second consecutive SoCon overtime win pushed the team to 2-5 (2-0 SoCon) while Furman fell to 2-6 (1-1 SoCon).
For the second time in an as many games, the Bears were forced to go to an extra period against a league opponent. The Bears nearly had the game wrapped up in regulation, as back-to-back goals by Kleintz and senior Justin Evans put the Bears up 10-9 with 36 seconds to play.
Furman won the ensuing faceoff and senior Kenny Meinsen registered the equalizing score with just 11 seconds to play. At the outset of overtime, Furman won the faceoff and went man-up due to a delay of game penalty on Mercer.
Mercer's defense blocked the only Furman shot during the extra-man opportunity and goalie Mike Nugent secured a ground ball to regain possession. On the other end, Mercer had three shots that went awry before Kleintz deposited his game-winner.
The Bears moved the ball around the perimeter and freshman Matt Quinn spotted Kleintz moving from behind the goal on the left side. Quinn found Kleintz with a skip pass and the Philadelphia native unleashed a right-handed shot that beat Furman goalie Reilly McDermott to cement the win.
Quinn finished the game with his first career hat trick, adding two assists to his three goals for a season-high five points. Junior Chris Baxa matched Kleintz with two goals while sophomore Ben LeSane, senior Tim Geran, Evans and freshman James Fromert all scored once.
Nugent made 10 saves en route to his second win of the season while Evans won 17-of-25 faceoffs. The Bears were a perfect 14-of-14 on clear attempts and held Furman to just 1-of-6 efficiency on extra-man opportunities.
Mercer continues SoCon play hosting Bellarmine on March 28. Game time at Five Star Stadium is slated for 1 p.m.
