Branch-ing Out: MU Lacrosse Player Among Stat Leaders

MACON, Ga. – Coming off of a weekend where the team notched its first-ever win in program history, Mercer  men's lacrosse now also finds one of its members – Cole Branch – appearing in several categories in the latest NCAA Division I statistics.

The freshman from Marietta, Ga., and Lassiter High School, is far-and-away the Bears' team leader in both goals scored and points. It's those same categories where he can also be found in the national rankings. The 6-0, 175-pound attack man has 17 goals and 21 points through 10 games for the 1-9 Mercer team during its inaugural season on the turf.

Overall, Branch ranks 23^rd in total goals scored for all D-I players. He is 40^th in total points scored.

However, when looking at just freshmen on the national scene, Branch has the third-best total among collegiate lacrosse first-year players.  Branch is 25^th in frosh assists and his 21 points ranks him eighth among the freshman class.

"Cole is having an outstanding season," MU head coach Jason Childs said.  "Sometimes it's hard to remember that he's just a freshman. He comes from an outstanding high school lacrosse background and was well-coached entering college.

"The best part about Cole is that – with the right work ethic and off-season commitment – he will just get better and better. I think everyone will see that, as good as he is right now, his best seasons are ahead of him."