Williamsburg, KY – The fourth-ranked Patriots men's lacrosse team netted six first quarter goals to defeat sixth-ranked Concordia 14-7 Friday afternoon at the UC Lacrosse Complex.  With the win, the Patriots improve to 2-0 on the season, while the Cardinals move 0-1.

Dylan Crouch led the way with four goals, four assists, and a game-high eight points.  The four assists are tied fourth most in program history, while it marks the third time in Crouch's career he finished with at least eight points in a game.  Christian Vanover added five points, while Dom Lulow netted his first career hat trick.

Defensively, UC was led by Jake Morgan with four caused turnovers and five ground balls, as Brenden Hillis, Schylar Chapman and Tate Crowell each added a pair of caused turnovers.  Chrystian Coleman scooped a team-high six ground balls as Will Settle improve to 2-0 on the season with six saves in the game.

The Patriots won the first two faceoffs of the games and on ensuing possession Lulow put well placed shots into the back of the cage to give UC a 2-0 lead two minutes into the first quarter.  A minute later, Maalek Wilson connected with Nick Kava for a goal to make it 3-0.  Concordia looked to get on the board, however, Settle made three saves to keep the Cardinals scoreless.  Midway through the opening quarter, Crouch scooped the ground ball off a missed shot and found Vanover in front of the cage for a goal extending the lead to 4-0.  Evan Barton netted his first collegiate goal before Hillis intercepted a pass, raced up field, and netted the transition goal to make it 6-0 after the opening frame.

The Cardinals got on the board in the second quarter before UC took advantage of a penalty as Crouch found Vanover for the man-up goal.  On the next Patriot possession Vanover returned the favor as Crouch bounced a shot just under the cross bar to make it 8-1 with 5:17 left.  Neither team was able to put a shot on frame in the closing minutes as Cumberlands took an 8-1 advantage into the break.

Cumberlands extended their lead in the third quarter as Dawson Coltran connected with Lulow two minutes into the second half making it 9-1.  The Patriots defense continued to step up as the forced five caused turnovers over the next ten minutes of play as the two teams traded goals making it 10-2.  The Cardinals added a goal in the closing seconds to cut into the lead, heading into the fourth.

Concordia added a pair of goals to open the fourth quarter, before Crouch put a pair of shots into the cage to make it 12-5 midway through the period.  The first came off the faceoff as Coleman scooped the ground ball and found Crouch, while the second was an unassisted goal.  Vanover and Thomas Forgarty netted UC's final two goals for the 14-7 final.

The Patriots will return to the field Monday, February 28, when they host Michigan-Dearborn.  Game is set for 5 p.m. with live stats available here and live video available here.

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