WASHINGTON- The Catholic University of America men's lacrosse team took a close win over the Gophers of Goucher College on Saturday to secure their Landmark Conference 2015 playoff run, winning 10-8 in Cardinal Stadium. 

"We focused on a team effort," said CUA Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Brooks Singer about the crucial conference match up against Goucher. "We needed the win today and needed multiple guys to step up today, and they did just that."

The Cardinals fell to a quick 1-0 deficit in the first two minutes of play. Senior attack Brian Keith tied up the score to put Catholic on the board just two minutes later, assisted by sophomore middie John Blee. B. Keith recorded his second of the day following another Gopher goal, tying the game at two heading into the second quarter. 

Goucher scored their third in the opening of the second. They were matched by sophomore attack Tim Keith, assisted by senior midfielder Chris Wellock. Catholic soon fell to a 3-5 deficit before sophomore middie Ethan Rodriguez's goal with six minutes left to play in the half. Goucher upped their score by one to put the Cardinals down 6-4 at halftime.

The Cardinals came out in the third determined to score. Four minutes into play B. Keith scored his third of the day, assisted by T. Keith. Down 6-5, freshman attack Liam Clancy tied up the game with a man-up, unassisted goal. He was followed by sophomore middie Dylan Neville's goal from freshman attack Samuel Montgomery, giving the Cardinals their first lead of the day at 7-6. 

Goucher tied the game at seven at the start of the fourth quarter. B. Keith reeled in his fourth and final goal of the day during a man-up opportunity, assisted by Rodriguez to put the Cardinals ahead once again. T. Keith notched an unassisted goal to take the Cardinals to nine. He was followed by sophomore midfielder Victor Licata just two minutes later, capping off the Cardinals at ten. Goucher managed one more goal in the final five minutes of play, but it was too late.

"Brian Keith had a terrific day. He finished his opportunities and was a key component to the victory," said Singer. "With that said, the offense truly played a team game with every player contributing the 10 goals." 

Senior Harrsion Holak saw a season high 16 saves between the pipes while picking up four groundballs to earn his eighth win of the season.

"Harrison made some huge saves, especially in the second half," said Singer. "He played terrific, and continues to have an outstanding season. His leadership is what has been what is most vital in games like today." 

The Cardinals took the 10-8 victory over the Gophers, putting them at 4-2 in the Landmark Conference and guaranteeing their spot in Landmark playoffs.

"We will continue to focus on our next game and prepare as a team," Singer explains with one regular season game remaining "Our goal is to continue our focus and discipline going into next week, and moving forward into the playoffs."

Catholic close out their regular season when they travel to Susquehanna on Saturday, April 25, for a 2:00 p.m. game.

Notes: The 2015 season will be the fourth appearance in the Landmark Conference post season for CUA men's lacrosse since the inauguration of the conference in 2008. The Cards fell to No. 1 Goucher 11-4 in the finals as the No.3 seed in 2010. In 2011 No. 3 Catholic's run ended in semi-final 12-9 loss to #2 Susquehanna and in 2012 the No. 4 Cards were downed by No. 1 Goucher 13-6 in the first round.

written by Colleen Loftus, Student Communications Assistant