Mercer Succumbs To No. 8 Army In Southwest Florida Shootout

Saturday, February 22

Naples, Fla.

12 p.m.

Mercer University

1-3

Army

4-0

ARMY

MERCER

Mercer Succumbs To No. 8 Army In Southwest Florida Shootout

2/23/2025 7:33:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse

Box Score

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

NAPLES, Fla. – The Mercer men's lacrosse team fell to undefeated Army on Saturday in Naples, Fla. at the Southwest Florida Shootout. The Bears held the Black Knights scoreless until 23 seconds left in the first quarter but the fiery Army offense was too much for the Bears, defeating Mercer 17-4.

The Bears were led by sophomore Dillon Bush who posted two goals on the afternoon. Matthew Brian recorded his second goal of the season off of an assist from Will Zylstra and Kade McNeil found the back of the net for the first time as a Bear. Mercer's defense caused seven turnovers and Brady Corkill scooped up four groundballs. Between the pipes senior goalkeeper Rand Paddack recorded 26 saves.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Bears defense along with 12 saves from Rand Paddack held one of the top offenses in the country scoreless until 23 seconds left on the clock in the first quarter, putting the score 1-0 heading into the second quarter.
Army's offense came to life in the second quarter finding the back of the net seven times and holding Mercer scoreless at halftime.
Dillon Bush struck first for the Bears in the third quarter at the 12:15 mark, giving the Mercer offense some life. Kade McNeil found the back of the net at the 10:26 mark and Dillon Bush scored his second goal of the game shortly after.
The Black Knights held a 14-3 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Bears were able to quiet down the Army offense holding the Black Knights to just three goals in the final quarter of the game. Matthew Brian scored his second goal of the season off of an impressive pass from freshman Will Zylstra to round out Mercer's scoring for the day.

TOP BEARS

Bush led the Bears in scoring for the fourth game in a row.
Freshman Brady Corkill recorded a season-high four ground balls.
Paddack's 26-save performance was a career high for the senior.

NOTABLES

Bush has scored multiple goals in all four contests this season.
The Black Knights are currently No. 8 in the country and first in the Patriot League and move to 4-0 on the season.

UP NEXT

The Bears will face Drexel in the Atlanta Lacrosse Invitational at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, March 1. Tickets can be purchased at https://ramblinwreck.evenue.net/events/LAX.

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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.