Savanah, GA – The fifth-ranked Patriots men's lacrosse team utilized a five goal first quarter to defeat (RV) SCAD 11-8 Saturday afternoon.  With the win, UC improves to 6-1 on the year and 3-1 against the AAC.

Maalek Wilson notched three goals and five points in the win, while Will Rogers added four points.  Nick Kava recorded a hat trick as Evan Bart tallied two goals and an assist.  Gabe Schwaiger scooped a season-high nine ground balls to go along with a pair of caused turnovers.  Michael Toohey made 11 saves for his sixth win of the year.

SCAD struck first with an unassisted goal in three minutes into the game.  The Patriots evened the score with a goal from Maalek Wilson before Evan Barton connected with Will Rogers for a goal to make it 2-1 midway through the first quarter.  UC extended their lead as Noah Brandt forced a turnover and on the ensuing possession Wilson scored his second of three first quarter goals to make it 4-1 with 2:01 remaining.  In the closing minute of the quarter, Michael Toohey made a save and in the transition Tate Crowell found Kava for a goal to make it 5-1.

The Bees netted three unanswered goals in the first three minutes of the second quarter to pull within a goal at 5-4.  Cumberlands took advantage of a SCAD penalty as Rogers found Barton for a man-up goal to make it 6-4.  The two teams traded possession over the next several minutes until Wilson connected with Rogers for a goal to extend the lead to 7-4 with 4:46 remaining.  Toohey notched a pair of saves in the closing minutes of the half as UC took the 7-4 advantage.

The Patriots defense kept their intensity in the third quarter forcing multiple Bees turnovers.  Kava sparked UC's offense with back-to-back goals less than a minute apart to make it 9-5 with 3:35 remaining.  SCAD added a late goal to cut the lead to 9-6 heading into the fourth quarter.

Schylar Chapman forced a turnover on the opening possession of the fourth quarter before Noah Brandt connected with Barton for a man-up goal to extend the lead, two minutes in.  The Bees added two straight goals, before Chrystian Coleman found Rogers for his 23^rd goal of the year to make it 11-8.  The Patriots defense held SCAD at bay for the 11-8 final.

The Patriots will return to the field Saturday, March 16, when they host Indiana Tech.  The game is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m.

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