Mercer University
Furman
Wittenberg, Quinn Hat Tricks Power Mercer to Win Over Furman
4/16/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
MACON, Ga. – The Mercer University men's lacrosse team got two outstanding performances from underclassmen Lucas Wittenberg and Matt Quinn to come away with a 12-10 victory over Furman in a Southern Conference clash on Saturday at Five Star Stadium.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bears got off to a strong start against the Paladins, holding a 6-2 lead with under six minutes to play in the second quarter. All six Mercer goals came from different players. However, Furman fought back into the game scoring the last goal of the half and then tallying the only two goals in the third quarter to cut the Bears' lead to one at 6-5 with 15 minutes to play.
The fourth quarter was all offense for both sides, as the two squads combined to score 11 goals. The last frame was a see-saw affair, as it featured five ties and four lead changes. The Paladins found the back of the net twice to start the fourth to take their second lead of the day at 7-6.
After trading goals for the next nine minutes Furman led 10-9 with under three minutes to play and then Wittenberg took over. The freshman leveled the score at 10-10 with 2:43 on the clock. Just over a minute later Wittenberg unleashed a laser past the Paladin keeper that resulted in the game-winner. Chris Baxa tacked on an insurance goal with 44 seconds to play to secure the Mercer win.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Wittenberg posted the first hat trick of his young Mercer career with a career-high three goals. Almost nearly impressive for the Kennesaw, Ga., native was his three assists to complete his six point performance, meaning Wittenberg had a hand in 50 percent of the Bears' goals on Saturday. The six points tie the freshman's career high, as he recorded five assists and a goal against Duke earlier this season.
MERCER STAT OF THE DAY
Chris Baxa achieved a feat that no other player in Mercer program history has done on Saturday, as the senior reached the 100-goal milestone for his career. Baxa scored the first and final goals of the game and now has a program record 101 over his four seasons.
NOTABLES
- Mercer is 3-0 against Furman in the all-time series.
- Quinn recorded the second hat trick of his season against Furman.
- With two goals and an assist Baxa has scored a goal in every game this season and 30 straight games dating back to his sophomore season. He also extended his active point streak to 47 consecutive games, the fourth longest active streak in the nation.
- Saturday marked Baxa's sixth multi-goal game of the season.
- Chris Rahill extended his goal streak to five straight outings with a score.
- Scott Baird scored his 12th goal of the season.
- Jackson Teague recorded his second goal of 2016.
- Ben LeSane reached double figures in goals for the year, notching his 10th of the season.
- Will Beecham was masterful at the X against the Paladins, winning 15-of-23 faceoffs.
RECORD UPDATE
The Bears improves to 4-7 on the season and 2-3 in SoCon play, while Furman is now 2-9 in 2016 with a mark of 2-3 in league play.
UP NEXT
Mercer travels to the Sunshine State on April 23 for its final regular season road game of the season against SoCon opponent Jacksonville. The game is scheduled to start at 1 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.
