LANCASTER, Pa. – The Franklin & Marshall men's lacrosse team found itself facing a 9-0 defiicit with just under five minutes to play before the half in an eventual 15-7 final against Gettysburg in Centennial Conference action on Wednesday night. The Diplomats got the game within five after scoring six of the next eight goals, but came no closer during the final 15 minutes.

Cullen Decker had a huge hand in the comeback attempt with three goals and three assists, while Tommy Garofalo and Christian Sullivan each tallied a pair of goals. Gettysburg used a varied attack throughout the victory as 10 different Bullets got their name on the scoresheet.

The Bullets took 22 shots during the first 30 minutes to help claim a 9-3 lead at the half. Gettysburg scored on half of its 10 shot attempts during the first quarter and built that lead up to 9-0 with less than five minutes to go before the half. A man-up chance seemed to spark F&M just before the break late as Christian Sullivan found the Diplomats' first goal at the 3:57 mark of the second quarter before Decker added two more goals before the break.

Decker dished out three more assists during the third quarter, with Garofalo adding two more goals during that period. His second goal came with 1:45 showing on the third quarter game clock as the Diplomats were slowly crawling their way back into the contest at 11-6. However, the Bullets thwarted any further momentum with the first four goals of the fourth quarter before Decker was able to ultimately cap his hat trick at the 4:14 mark for the final tally in the 15-7 rivalry game.

Gettysburg finished with a 41-29 edge in shots and a 38-26 advantage in ground balls. The Bullets won 14 face-offs, compared to 12 for the Diplomats. Matthew Freeman had the most success at the X with seven wins over his 13 face-off attempts. Pierce Archer grabbed a team-best six ground balls, with teammate Kyle Craig adding four GBs and three caused turnovers. Sage Garito made five saves during the first half before Eric Mueller added six more during his turn in cage over the final 30 minutes.

Men's lacrosse faces another key Centennial Conference matchup at home this coming Saturday when the Diplomats welcome Ursinus to Shadek Stadium. The Bears enter the weekend contest receiving votes in the national polls. That game is set for a 1 p.m. opening faceoff in Lancaster.