USMMA Men's Lacrosse Defeats Catholic in Conference Opener

The USMMA men's lacrosse defeated Catholic University Saturday for its first Landmark Conference victory since 2011.

After finishing 0-6 in conference play last season, the Mariners got off to a good start in 2013 with a 14-8 home win at Brooks Stadium.

Catholic (3-6, 0-1) built a 4-1 advantage after the opening period but USMMA pulled within one goal by halftime, 6-5.  

Merchant Marine (3-2, 1-0 Landmark) tallied three goals in a span of 1:44 in the second half as Brett Crawford of Arnold, Md., and Ethan Medler of Kingwood, Texas, and John Atkinson all scored to give the Mariners an 8-7 lead after the third quarter.

The Mariners dominated the fourth period, outscoring the Cardinals 6-1 for the win.

The USMMA men's lacrosse team will now begin a five-game road trip with a Tuesday game at Western Connecticut State.

Key USMMA players:

• John Atkinson of Garden City, N.Y., contributed five assists and one goal.
• Chris Whitenack of East Meadow, N.Y., won 19-of-26 face-offs and totaled 18 ground balls.
• Sam Heard of Boca Raton, Fla., led the Mariners defense with four caused turnovers and four ground balls.
• Goalkeeper Alex Peyreigne of Weston, Conn., registered 12 saves.

Information provided by usmmasports.com.