UPLAND, Ind. -  The Crusaders' Men's Lacrosse team (3-3, 0-0) traveled to the Hoosier state for their first conference matchup of the 2024 season against the Taylor University Trojans (3-4, 0-0). In a hard-fought battle, the Trojans would come out on top 13-12 over the Crusaders.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Trojans got off to an early 2-0 lead in the opening minutes of the first quarter. In the opening quarter's closing minutes, the Crusaders would answer back as they tied up the game with goals from Zachary Lane and Reid Dunavant. The game was tied 2-2 after one quarter.

The Crusaders carried their momentum into the second quarter as they took their first lead with Lane's second goal of the game. Marcus Dochenetz scored his first goal of the game to follow before halftime. The Trojans would manage to get on the board once more before the period came to a close, as the Crusaders now led 4-3 going into halftime.

The Crusaders would go on a run in the third quarter, extending their lead with Dunavant's second and third goals, as well as goals by Eddie Dyla and Andrew Marszalek. The Crusaders led 8-5 with one quarter remaining.

Nick Bryden would score four goals himself all in the final quarter to help keep the Crusaders on top. However, a late-game rally consisting of eight goals in the final period would allow the Trojans to creep past the Crusaders and win 13-12.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Bryden led the team with four goals on seven shots on goal.
• Dunavant scored three goals on three shots on goal.
• Lane scored two goals and recorded three assists.
• Goalkeeper Jeff Varner recorded 18 saves.

UP NEXT:

The Crusaders will return home to Livonia to face the No. 9 Saints of Siena Heights University at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, March 27th at the Madonna Athletic Complex.

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