WASHINGTON - The Catholic University men's lacrosse team fell to 2-3 in the Landmark with a 14-5 loss at Goucher College on Thursday afternoon in Towson, Md.

The Gophers were playing with heavy hearts, stepping on the field for the first time since the loss of teammate Matt Gabriel earlier this week. Playing in honor of Gabriel, the Gophers came together in the face of tragedy and dominated the Cardinals from the onset.

Goucher took a 4-0 lead in the first quarter and never relinquished it.

Brian Keith and Tim Keith each scored just 15 seconds apart to start the second period and cut the lead in half, as Bobby Kusbit assisted on T. Keith's goal at 10:12.

The Gophers then scored nine straight goals into the third quarter to take a commanding 13-2 advantage.

William Cowan found the back of the net at 12:13 left in the fourth on an assist by Walter Hickey.

Hickey scored twice in the final 11 minutes of the game for the final 14-5 score.

Erik Hyland and Harrison Holak combined for nine saves in the loss and Hyland picked up two ground balls.

For the game, the Cardinals and Gophers were even in both shots (37) and ground balls (33). CUA held a narrow 12 to 11 advantage in faceoffs but committed 14 miscues to Goucher's 10.

Hickey, Kevin Murray, and Jack Drexel combined for 14 of the team's 33 ground balls, while Cam Feldman, Dan McCallan, and Kusbit each caused one turnover.

The Cardinals return to action on Saturday, April 26 when they welcome Susquehanna to Cardinal Stadium in the final regular season game at 2:00 p.m. The Cardinals currently sit in a tie for the fourth with Drew, and must win in order to keep their Landmark postseason chances alive.

-CUA-