Bears Battle Until The Final Whistle Against VMI

Saturday, February 15

Macon, Ga.

12 p.m.

Mercer University

1-2

VMI

2-1

VMI

Mercer

Bears Battle Until The Final Whistle Against VMI

2/15/2025 4:38:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse

Box Score

By: Kaylin Flukey, Kaylin.flukey@live.mercer.edu

MACON, Ga. – The Mercer men's lacrosse team battled in the fourth quarter to come within two goals of the Keydets but it was not enough to defeat VMI, falling 11-14 in the home opener at Five Star Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Bears were led by sophomore Dillon Bush who posted four goals, the only Bear will multiple goals on the afternoon. Dylan McKelvy, Ben Jose, Jackson Hirschy, Jack Sullivan, Christian Laureano, Will Zylstra and Michael Frederick all added a goal of their own. On the defensive side, Thomas Venzie picked up five ground balls and Tyler Gilbert caused two turnovers. Between the pipes senior goalkeeper Rand Paddack recorded 11 saves.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Keydets did not waste anytime getting on the board, scoring the first goal of the game after just 45 seconds. VMI then added another goal at the 12:46 mark but Mercer quickly responded after the first goal of the game for Dillon Bush at the 10:47 mark. The Keydets added two more goals before the end of the first quarter, putting the score at 4-1.
VMI once again struck first in the second quarter but Mercer responded with a three-goal scoring run from Frederick, Sullivan and McKelvy to make it a one-point game. VMI put up two more goals to gain a three-point lead heading into the half.
The Keydets carried the momentum throughout the third quarter scoring five goals, including four straight. Ben Jose found the back of the net for the first time at the 0:42 mark to close out the third quarter.
The Bears were not going down without a fight scoring four goals in the fourth quarter , including a hat trick from Bush to put the score 11-13 at the 4:36 mark. VMI's defense was able to hold Mercer from scoring again to secure their second win of the season.

TOP BEARS

Bush leads the Bears with 10 goals on the seasoon.
Frederick recorded two assists on the afternoon.
Venzie's five-ground ball performance was a match high..

NOTABLES

Bush has recorded four goals in two games this season.
The Keydets move to 2-1 on the season and the Bears stand at 1-2.

UP NEXT

The Bears will travel to Naples, Fla. to face Army on Saturday, Feb. 22 at noon.

FOLLOW THE BEARS

Follow Mercer Lacrosse on Twitter and Instagram.

SUPPORT THE BEARS

Fans can help support the Mercer athletics department by making a gift to the Mercer Athletic Foundation. To find out more information about the Mercer Athletic Foundation, visit S upportMAF.com or email maf@mercer.edu.