March 1, 2008

Box Score

Wingate, N.C. - Wingate University's Kyle Costello scored four goals, the final one coming in overtime, as the Bulldogs came from behind to upset No. 3 Mercyhurst 7-6 Saturday in NCAA Division II men's lacrosse action.

Mike Bartlett had a team-high two goals and an assist for Mercyhurst as the Lakers built a 4-1 halftime advantage but gave up six second-half goals.

Costello's first goal of the game was the only score of the first period but Bartlett started a run of four unanswered goals in the second for Mercyhurst. Costello cut the deficit to two on an early third period goal but Tyler Burton scored for the Lakers to make it 5-2 with under six minutes to play in the third.

Wingate scored three consecutive goals to tie the game heading into the fourth period. The Bulldogs took the lead 28 seconds into the fourth quarter but Mercyhurst's Jordan Witt scored less than two minutes later to tie the game - the final score of regulation.

In overtime, Mercyhurst's Mike Thon controlled the opening faceoff and, after a Laker timeout, Bartlett ripped a shot that was saved by Wingate senior goalie David Suthers. The Bulldogs successfully cleared the ball and maintained possession until Costello ended the game when he put the ball in the net with 1:35 remaining in overtime.

Mercyhurst keeper Jason LaShomb had nine saves but Wingate had 49 ground balls to Mercyhurst's 26. The Lakers held a 29-22 advantage in shots but Wingate claimed 12-of-17 faceoffs.

Both Mercyhurst and Wingate are now 2-1 on the season and the Lakers will try to regroup before playing at No. 1 Le Moyne March 9 at 1 p.m.

Credit to Wingate's sports information department for contributing to this story