Mercer University
Jacksonville
Men's Lacrosse Downs Jacksonville to Remain Unbeaten in SoCon Play
4/18/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
MACON, Ga. – Mercer freshman Scott Baird dished to classmate Jackson Kleintz for a game-winning goal in the men's lacrosse team's 9-8 double overtime victory on Saturday at Five Star Stadium.
Mercer remained unbeaten in Southern Conference play, moving to 5-6 (5-0 SoCon) on the year. Jacksonville dropped its fifth-straight game and fell to 4-7 (1-4 SoCon).
Kleintz finished with two goals and two assists while Baird also had a pair of goals in conjunction with an assist. Junior Chris Baxa netted three goals to take over the top spot in Mercer career history in both points (106) and goals (80).
Also scoring in the victory were senior Tim Geran and sophomore Ben LeSane. Sophomore Chris Rahill notched a pair of assists.
The Bears had things clicking on all cylinders early, breaking off a streak of five-straight goals to assume an 8-2 lead with 5:26 to play in the first half. Jacksonville's Dakota Rohlin closed the half's action with a goal at the 4:27 juncture to provide the visitors a modicum of momentum entering the break.
Out of intermission, Jacksonville elected to sub in back-up goalie Ben Gleichenhaus and the Bears were suddenly unable to find the net. Mercer reeled off 22 shots in the second half but failed to score as the Dolphins pieced together five unanswered goals to tie the game at 8-8 with 8:11 to play.
Mercer's defensive unit buckled down and forced overtime by holding Jacksonville without a shot for the remainder of regulation. A late Mercer penalty gave Jacksonville an extra-man opportunity at the outset of the first overtime, but the Bears killed that opportunity and things would remain even-strength the rest of the way.
After the first overtime concluded without a score, Jacksonville won the faceoff to earn the first possession of the second extra period. Mercer freshman Dustin White then made what proved to be a game-changing play, forcing a turnover that led to the Kleintz's game-winner.
White's caused turnover led to a run-out opportunity for Baird, who spotted Kleintz unmarked at the far post. Baird's pass hit its mark and Kleintz deposited the game-winner with 2:42 on the clock.
Mercer junior goalie Mike Nugent made 12 saves while playing all 65:18 in goal for the Bears. He was credited with the win and moved to 5-6 on the season.
Mercer's win was its third SoCon overtime victory of the year. The Bears now hit the road for the regular season finale against fellow SoCon unbeaten Richmond on April 25. The winner will be crowned the SoCon's Regular Season Champion and earn hosting duties for the SoCon Tournament on April 30-May 2.
