(MARQUETTE COMMUNICATIONS) – The Marquette University men’s lacrosse team (3-3, 0-0 BIG EAST) used a dominant offensive performance to defeat Mercer (3-4, 0-0 ASUN), 21–12, on Saturday afternoon at Valley Fields. The Golden Eagles’ 21 goals marked the third-most goals scored in a single game in program history.
Nolan Rappis led Marquette with five points (3 G, 2 A), while Tucker Mullen, Beau Westphal and sophomore defender Brady Nicholas each recorded hat tricks. Defensively, Mike Piraino led the way with three caused turnovers and two ground balls, while senior captain Peter Detwiler added two caused turnovers and a goal.
Mercer struck first just 32 seconds into the game, but Marquette quickly responded and took control with a flurry of first-quarter goals. Carsen Brandt tied the contest before Westphal scored twice during a quick scoring run that helped the Golden Eagles build a 4–1 lead. Marquette poured in eight goals in the opening frame and carried a 15–6 advantage into halftime.
The Golden Eagles continued to control the pace in the third quarter, adding two more goals, including tallies from Brandt and Rappis, to extend the lead to eight. Mercer managed to score a few times in the frame, but Marquette’s defense limited opportunities and maintained a comfortable cushion heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, the Golden Eagles added four more goals while rotating through the lineup. Marquette’s defense held Mercer to just one goal in the final 15 minutes to secure the 21–12 victory.
NOTABLES
- Marquette’s 21 goals rank as the third-most in a single game in program history and sit just two shy of the school record.
- MU’s 32 total points rank fourth in single-game program history.
- Brady Nicholas recorded a career-high three goals and added two ground balls.
- Chandler Caster won eight face-offs at a 61.5 percent clip.
UP NEXT:
The Golden Eagles return to Valley Fields on Wednesday, March 11 to host Utah (3–2, 0–0 ASUN). Opening face-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT.
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