WASHINGTON- The Catholic University of America men's lacrosse team defeated the United States Merchant Marine in their second Landmark game of the season on Saturday in Kings Point, N.Y.

"We wanted to get back to basics, and focus on our team and our execution," said CUA Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Brooks Singer.

The Cardinals got off to a quick start in the first quarter as sophomore middie Victor Licata (Towson, Md. / Loyola-Blakefield) scored an unassisted goal just two minutes into the game. The score was upped to 2-0 just two minutes later, as sophomore attack Jack Oakes (Downingtown, Pa. / Bishop Shanahan) scored with an assist from senior defender Dan McCallan (Garden City, N.Y. / Garden City).

Following a USMMA goal, Licata struck again in the first with an assist from senior attack Brian Keith (King of Prussia, Pa./ Archbishop Carroll). Following suit sophomore attack Tim Keith (King of Prussia, Pa./ Archbishop Carroll) scored two back-to-back goals, one of which was assisted by McCallan.

Catholic and Merchant Marine continued back and forth in the second, scoring one after another and battling for midfield possession. The score read 5-2 in the second quarter until the ninth minute mark, when freshman midfielder Liam Clancy (Brookfield, Conn. / Brookfield) put the Cardinals ahead at six with help from Licata.

Merchant Marine scored to clinch a 6-3 deficit. They were answered by sophomore middie Dylan Neville's (Port Washington, N.Y. / Kellenberg Memorial) goal assisted by Brian Keith. Tim Keith scored his second of the day just three minutes before the half, putting the Cardinals ahead 8-4 heading into the third.

"Heading into the second half the coaching staff reiterated that we need to play for four quarters," said Singer. "We fixed a few strategies, then went out and executed well."

Merchant Marine managed a man-up goal just four minutes into the third quarter, but that did not shake Catholic. The Cardinals went on to score eight straight goals in the third and fourth quarters, continuously advancing their lead and leaving the Mariners with only six on the day.

Licata scored three of the eight goals, each unassisted. Tim Keith brought in two goals, one of which was assisted by McCallan. Brian Keith scored within the last minute of the third, assisted by freshman midfielder Jonathan Curran (Ridgefield, Conn. / Ridgefield). Sophomore middie Ethan Rodriguez (Miami, Fla. / Belen Jesuit Prep) scored off an assist from Brian Keith in the fourth, and Clancy claimed another goal in the final minutes of the game. Licata and Tim Keith each ended the game with five goals apiece. McCallan and Brian Keith each ended with three assists.

"Licata and T. Keith capitalized on opportunities and relied on their teammates to finish shots," said Singer

Starting goalie Harrison Holak (Doylestown, Pa. / Central Bucks East) made seven saves on the day. Senior goalie Kevin Cardillo (West Deptford, N.J. / Bishop Eustace) finished out the last four minutes of the game, making one save.

"Holak continues to be a terrific goalie and leader," said Singer. "We also have confidence in our other goalies should their number be called."

The Cardinals now hold a 6-3 overall record, and a 1-1 Landmark Conference record this season. Catholic will host Elizabethtown on Saturday, March 28, for a 1:00 p.m.

Written by Colleen Loftus, Student Athletics Communications Assistant