Lacrosse Falls at No. 15 Yale

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Mercer University men’s lacrosse squad took on its first-ever nationally-ranked opponent on Friday evening, falling at Yale University, 22-1.  The Bears fell to 0-6 in their inaugural season with the loss.

The Bulldogs (3-0) won 19-of-27 faceoffs, helping solidify their 49-22 advantage in shots attempted in the game.

Mercer’s lone goal of the game came off the stick of Cole Branch, finding the upper corner of the net in the fourth period to help his team avert the shutout. Branch’s goal tied him with Alex Baird for the team lead at six each.

Eoin Collins assisted on the Branch goal against the Bulldogs.

Starting goalkeeper Justin Bateman took the loss, going the first three quarters. Bateman was charged with 15 goals and had seven saves. Dillon Volk and Logan Smith split time in the fourth quarter and allowed five and two goals, respectively.

The Bears will continue their New England road trip, taking on Dartmouth on Sunday in a game being played on a neutral site at Darien (Conn.) High School. MU closes the three-game swing next Tuesday at Sacred Heart.