Firebirds are Defeated 18-11 to #12 in the Nation Mercy

DOBBS FERRY, NY – The University of the District of Columbia men's lacrosse team fell 18-11 to East Conference rivals and No. 12 in NCAA DII, Mercy College, Saturday afternoon at Mercy Field.

The Firebirds (7-4, 1-2 ECC) were hit by five consecutive goals in the 1st quarter getting off to a slow start that saw the Mavericks from start to finish. However, an inspiring fight back by UDC saw them pull to within two goals in the 3rd quarter.

The District of Columbia was led by the efforts of sophomore Alan Singleton with five goals and one assist. Senior LaRon Hinton dished out one goal and four assists in his attempt to spark a Firebird comeback.

Mercy was motivated by Tommy McPartland with six goals and two assists and Ryan MacSpadyen on four goals and two assists. Goalkeeper Ryan Gibbons was a key defensive figure for Mercy as he made 18 saves off 29 shots to stop the Firebirds.

Mercy denied UDC in the 3rd quarter as Zach Hart who had three goals in the game scored the only goal for the Firebirds in the 3rd quarter. McPartland for the Mavericks went on to score four in the 3rd period to put the match out of sight for the District of Columbia at 16-7.

A determined Firebirds side was solid with a fine last quarter as they scored four late goals to make the final score 18-11 to the Mavericks side who are now 10-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play.

The contest was well balanced between these two teams as the Firebirds grabbed more ground balls with 38 to Mercy's 27; Firebird Teilen Celentano won more face-offs, and the Firebirds fell just one short of Mercy's 36 shots.

Next up, the Firebirds will play Ohio Valley in Vienna, West Virginia on Friday, April 13th.