Box Score

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Franklin & Marshall outscored Muhlenberg 7-2 in the fourth quarter to defeat the Mules 14-8 in Centennial Conference (CC) men's lacrosse action Saturday afternoon. F&M improved to 12-3, 6-2 CC, while the Mules fell to 10-6, 2-6 CC.

F&M struck first early in the game, but the Mules countered with two straight for a 2-1 lead heading into the second. The Mules made it 3-1 two minutes into the second quarter, but F&M responded with two of their own and tied the game at 3-3. Muhlenberg retook the lead seconds later, before F&M quickly tied the game at 4-4 midway through the quarter. The Mules went back out front, 5-4, and F&M struck with just 36 ticks on the clock to tie the game at 5-5 heading into the break.

The Diplomats went ahead for good to start out the third with a two-goal spurt and the Mules came within one, 7-6, heading into the final frame. Three straight by F&M gave the Diplomats a four-goal cushion and after a score from the Mules 5:38, F&M closed out the game with a 4-1 spurt.

Luke Keating led the offense with five goals and two assists, Kevin Mollihan had three scores with one helper and Sean Rogers ended with two goals and an assist. A.J. Rigsby, Harry Rice, Jarrett Donaghy and Kip Wyrough all struck once while George Briggs added two assists and Shane McBride along with Nick Crennan and Donaghy all handed out an assist.

Tommy O'Connor caused five turnovers with five ground balls and Erich Della Volpe ended with two caused turnovers. Thomas Moore improved to 5-1 with nine stops in goal.

F&M had a 40-27 edge in shots, but Mules led 32-29 in ground balls and had a slight 14-for-26 lead in face offs.

The Diplomats return to action on Wednesday in the semifinals of the CC Tournament. F&M will travel to Dickinson and the game time will be determined on Monday morning.