NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — The Holy Cross men's lacrosse team fell to Merrimack College, 14-9, on Wednesday night at Duane Stadium.

Senior attackman Thomas McIntire once again led the way for the Crusaders (0-2, 0-0 PL) with four goals, followed by junior Matt Major, who netted two of his own. Junior netminder Dawson Friers recorded 11 saves on the day.

Merrimack (2-0, 0-0 America East) was led by Jack Rooney, who recorded five points (3-2-5), and Brian Russell, who netted four goals. Goaltender Henry Vogt made 11 saves in the contest.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Merrimack struck first, scoring four minutes into the first quarter.
• The Crusaders responded with a 5-0 scoring run over the next nine minutes.
• Senior Dean DiNanno began the run with an up-goal, assisted by senior T.J. Lynch.
• McIntire scored back-to-back goals to continue the run. The first was assisted by junior Cole Kratovil.
• Junior Matt Major picked up his fourth goal of the season during the run, also assisted by Kratovil.
• Lynch rounded out the run with his first goal of the season.
• Merrimack responded with two goals before the quarter ended to slim the lead to 7-5.
• Freshman Tyler Marmo opened the second quarter with his first collegiate goal, a strike that was assisted by DiNanno.
• Merrimack scored two more goals before McIntire picked up his third goal of the game with 3:15 remaining in the half.
• The Warriors went on a 9-2 run to close the game.
• Major picked up his second goal of the game with 11:34 remaining in the contest on a strike that was assisted by senior Cameron Magalotti.
• McIntire scored his fourth goal of the game, for the second time this season, with 1:21 remaining.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• McIntire is on a seven-game scoring streak, dating back to last spring.
• Merrimack held the slight edge in shots, 40-36.
• The Crusaders were 1-for-3 on man-up situations, while holding the Warriors to 0-for-2.
• Reigning Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week Michael Rincon led the way for the Crusaders defense with five ground balls and one caused turnover.

UP NEXT:

• Holy Cross will stay on the road, traveling to Syracuse University on Sunday, Feb. 11.
• Game time is set for 1 p.m. at JMA Wireless Dome. The game will stream on ACCNX.

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