WORCESTER, Mass. - The Holy Cross men's lacrosse team fell to Merrimack, 11-10 in overtime, on Tuesday evening at Kuzniewski Field.

Holy Cross moves to 3-4 on the season with the loss, while Merrimack moves to 1-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Merrimack got out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first five minutes of the first quarter, but two goals from sophomore Jude Lynch and a late goal by sophomore Ryan Botek brought the Crusaders within one going into the second quarter.
• The Crusaders outscored the Warriors 5-2 in the second to take the 8-6 lead into the halftime break thanks to goals from junior Will Messineo, senior Owen Larson, junior Damien Ramondo, senior Michael Bonomo, and freshman Andrew Ottomanelli.
• Messineo opened the second half with a goal to extend the Holy Cross lead to 9-6, but a four goal run over the remainder of the third quarter and the start of the fourth put Merrimack on top, 10-9.
• Sophomore Sam McDonald scored what proved to be the final goal of regulation with 9:11 to play to tie the game at 10-10.
• Merrimack netted the game-winner 1:01 into the sudden victory overtime period.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Junior JR Long recorded 13 saves in net, marking his fourth-straight game with double-digit saves.
• Senior Luke Shoemaker recorded a single-game career-high five caused turnovers and seven ground ball pickups. 
• Junior Julian Jenkins finished the contest with two caused turnovers and three ground ball pickups. The Los Alamitos, Calif. native is now tied for the Patriot League lead in caused turnovers with 14 on the season.
• With his six faceoff wins tonight, sophomore Gavin Ouhrabka improved to .529 at the faceoff X on the season, good for sixth overall in the Patriot League.

UP NEXT:

• The Crusaders will round out their homestand on Saturday, March 8 when they welcome No. 5 Army to Kuzniewski Field.
• Game time is set for 3:30 p.m.

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS 
Be sure to follow the Holy Cross men's lacrosse team — and all things Crusader Athletics — on social media!
X - @HCrossMLAX | @goholycross
Instagram - @hcrossmlax | @goholycross
Facebook - Holy Cross Men's Lacrosse | Holy Cross Athletics
YouTube - GoHolyCross