Joe Hill	Connor Kirkwood	Michael Elefonte

Box score

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Muhlenberg College men's lacrosse team scored the final three goals of the game to hand The University of Scranton its first defeat of the season, 9-8, on Saturday.

Scranton (3-1) scored three straight goals in the fourth period to take an 8-6 lead with 7:31 remaining. But the Mules (3-0) scored three times over the final 4:17 and stopped a Scranton possession in the final minute to hold on for the win.

The Royals were led by junior midfielder Joe Hill (South Hempstead, N.Y./South Side), who had three goals on five shots. Sophomore attackman Connor Kirkwood (Millburn, N.J./St. Peter's Prep) scored twice and sophomore midfielder Michael Elefonte (Kinnelon, N.J./Kinnelon) had a goal and two assists. Senior midfielder Conor Carey (Long Beach, N.Y./Chaminade) and senior attackmen Patrick O'Rourke (Floral Park, N.Y./Chaminade) each added a goal.

Freshman goalkeeper Shayne Fallon (Rockville Centre, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) made nine saves in his first career start, including six in the first half when Scranton took a 3-2 lead.

Carey led the team with eight ground balls while junior long stick midfielder Adam Maiale (Blue Bell, Pa./La Salle College H.S.) had five. Junior attackman Tim Dolan (Garden City, N.Y./Garden City) had a team-high two caused turnovers, and senior midfielder Adam Drury (Chatham, N.J./Chatham) went 12-for-19 in the faceoff circle.

Scranton held a 35-31 edge in shots, but Muhlenberg's goalkeeper finished with 14 saves, including five in the fourth period. The Royals also had a 32-22 edge in ground balls and went 20-for-22 in clear attempts. They also committed 19 turnovers.

The Scranton men's lacrosse team will be back in action on Tuesday, Feb. 27, when the Royals host sixth-ranked Cortland State at 3:30 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field.

--ROYALS--