Mercer Falls To Marist On The Road

Saturday, February 8

Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

11 a.m.

Mercer University

1-1

Marist

1-0

Mercer

Marist

2/8/2025 2:15:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse

Box Score

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

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Mercer men's lacrosse team fell to Marist, 16-6, for their first loss of the season after a hard-fought four quarters against the Red Foxes.

The Bears were led by sophomore Dillon Bush and freshman Will Zlystra who scored two goals, respectively. Ben Jose and Mikey Frederick each added a goal of their own. On the defensive side for the Bears Tyler Gilbert picked up five ground balls while Kobe Handsor caused two turnovers. Between the pipes senior goalkeeper Rand Paddack recorded 15 saves.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Mercer secured the first goal of the game when Bush found the back of the net assisted by Jack Sullivan at the 11:18 mark. Marist didn't respond until five minutes later with their first goal of the season and then just 42 seconds later the Red Foxes took a 2-1 lead. Mikey Frederick recorded Mercer's second goal of the game at the 3:12 mark to even the score but the Red Foxes quickly responded to take the lead heading into the second quarter.
The Bears attacked first in the second quarter off of a shot from Ben Jose assisted by Frederick to make the score 3-3. Marist fought back scoring two goals of their own within a minute of each other to take back the lead. Bush post his second goal of the game at the 4:46 mark to make it a single-score game heading into halftime.
The third quarter was a defensive battle, remaining scoreless through the first 10 minutes until Zylstra found the back of the net for his first goal of the game at the 5:20 mark.
The Red Foxes found their groove in the end of the third quarter and carried it into the fourth, scoring seven straight goals until Zylstra responded with his second of the game with 9:19 left on the clock. Marist closed out the game with four goals, earning their first win of the season while handing Mercer their first loss.

TOP BEARS

Bush and Zylstra combined for four goals, both sitting at six goals on the season.
Paddack's 15-save performance is a career high for the senior.
Frederick tied for a match-high of two assists.

NOTABLES

This game was the first matchup between the Bears and the Red Foxes.
Marist picks up their first win of the 2025 season.

UP NEXT

The Bears will host VMI next Saturday, Feb. 15 at noon for Mercer's home opener at Five Star Stadium.

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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.