Mercer University
Detroit
Mercer Edges Detroit Mercy in Home Opener, 9-8
2/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
MACON, Ga. – The Mercer University men's lacrosse team won its home opener in thrilling fashion on Saturday, defeating Detroit Mercy by a final score of 9-8.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bears could not have asked for a better start to open the game. Mercer jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the first quarter, receiving goals from Matt Quinn, Shawn Carter, Lucas Wittenberg and Clay Rivers. Mercer extended its lead to five by the half, taking a 7-2 lead into the intermission.
After trailing 8-3 midway through the third quarter, the Titans began their comeback charge. The visitors cut the Mercer lead to 8-4 at the end of the third and then scored four consecutive goals in the first seven minutes of the final frame to tie the game at 8-8. Mercer's Scott Baird came to the Bears' rescue, as the sophomore scored the game-winning goal with 3:40 left on the clock. The Mercer defense withstood a barrage of shots in the closing minutes and held on to win by a final of 9-8.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Sophomore attacker Scott Baird scored the biggest goal of his Mercer career on Saturday, recording the game winner with under four minutes left in the game. The score was the second of the day for the Raleigh, N.C., native as he scored his first in the second quarter to put Mercer on top 6-1. Both of Baird's goals were of the unassisted variety.
MERCER STAT OF THE DAY
After giving up four goals in the first quarter of the season opener at Towson, the Bears turned the table on Detroit with a 4-0 first 15 minutes of play. The four goals proved to be crucial, as the Orange and Black never trailed despite the Titans' rally.
NOTABLES
- The Orange and Black are 3-3 in home openers all time.
- The win is the first over Detroit Mercy in program history, as Mercer is now 1-4 in the all-time series.
- Mike Nugent recorded double-digit saves for the 30th time in his Mercer career.
- The Bears were a perfect 18-for-18 on clearance opportunities for the evening.
- Shawn Carter, Chris Rahill and Baird each scored two goals.
- Lucas Wittenberg and Carter have scored goals in both games this season.
RECORD UPDATE
Mercer improves to 1-1 on the season, while Detroit Mercy is 0-2.
UP NEXT
The Bears have a quick turnaround, as Mercer hosts Siena on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at Five Star Stadium. The game is slated to start at 6 p.m.
STAY SOCIAL
For all the latest information and up-to-the-minute updates on Mercer men's lacrosse, please follow the team on Twitter at @MercerLacrosse.
