Williamsburg, KY – The third-ranked UC men's lacrosse team scored at least three goals in every quarter and had six multi-goal scorers in the game as the Patriots defeated ninth-ranked Benedictine 18-10 Tuesday night at the UC Lacrosse Complex.  With the win, Cumberlands improves to 5-0 on the season, while the Ravens move to 1-2.

Christian Vanover led all scorers with five goals, while Nick Kava tied his career-high with four goals and five points.  Tanner Popovich, Will Rogers, and Maalek Wilson tallied two goals and two assists each, while Dom Lulow netted a hattrick. 

Michael Toohey made nine saves in the win as Taylor Long notched three caused turnovers and give ground balls.  Chrystian Coleman and Tate Crowell scooped four ground balls apiece in the game.  Nik Kubik went 16-28 on faceoffs in the win.

The two teams traded goals to open the game before Toohey made one of his three first quarter saves as Lulow puts a well-placed shot into the cage putting UC in front 2-1.  Two minutes later, Coleman forced a turnover and on the ensuing transition Vanover nets his second goal of the game making it 3-1 midway through the opening period.  Each team added a goal before Wilson put himself in the scoring column with an unassisted goal to make it 5-2 after the first quarter.

The Ravens score twice in the first four minutes of the second quarter to cut the lead to 5-4.  The teams traded goals before Popovich connected with Vanover for a man-up goal making it 7-5 with 6:50 remaining.  UC added two more goals as Schylar Chapman found Vanover and Coleman connected with Rogers for goals extending the lead to 9-5.  UC took advantage of a Benedictine penalty as Kava netted a man-up goal before Lulow notched his second goal of the game to give UC an 11-5 advantage at the break.

After Benedictine opened the third quarter with a score, the Patriots responded with three unanswered goals of their own.  Wilson started the run as Popovich and Vanover each added a goal within a one-minute span giving Cumberlands a 14-6 edge with 4:03 remaining.  The Ravens added two goals to cut the lead to 14-8 heading into the fourth quarter.

Wilson forced a Ravens turnover, scooped the ground ball, and in the transition found Popovich for a goal to open the fourth quarter.  UC added three more goals over the four minute span to extend their lead to 18-8 with 9:10 left.  Cumberlands continued to play strong defense as they held on for the 18-10 final.

The Patriots return to the field Saturday, March 11, when they host (RV) Ottawa.  The game is set for a 4 p.m. start with live video available here.

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