WASHINGTON- The Catholic University of American men's lacrosse team suffered a 9-5 loss to the Crusaders of Susquehanna on Saturday in Selinsgrove, Pa. 

Susquehanna jumped to a quick 1-0 lead in the first quarter, scoring just two minutes into play. Senior attack Brian Keith put the Cardinals on the board with an unassisted goal just two minutes later. Sophomore midfielder Victor Licata scored to put Catholic ahead 2-1. The Crusaders responded with a goal to tie the game at two. Sophomore attack Tim Keith led the Cardinals to three before the end of the first, but was matched by Susquehanna once again.

Tim Keith assisted fellow sophomore Ethan Rodriguez's man-up goal just 23 seconds into the second quarter, putting Catholic ahead 4-3. The Cardinals proved unable to hold off the pressing Crusaders before the end of the half, as Susquehanna scored four consecutive goals to make the halftime score 7-4. 

Catholic managed one more goal on the day, as Brian Keith scored his second unassisted goal within the first minute of the third quarter. However, the Crusaders managed two more goals before the end of the third. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter, the final score reading 9-5 Susquehanna.

"We made some adjustments," said Head Coach Brooks Singer on second half play. "We played them 2-1 in the 2nd half. We just let them score too many in the 2nd quarter. That was the difference."

Junior goalie Harrison Holak started in goal for the Cardinals, making 13 total saves against the Crusaders.

"Holak continues to play well," said Singer. "When he and the Defense click, they can be extremely effective." 

The Cardinals end their regular season with a 9-5 overall record, going 4-3 in Landmark Conference play. No. 4 Catholic will advance to the Landmark semifinal game on Wednesday, April 29, to face the No. 1 Elizabethtown Blue Jays in Elizabethtown, Pa.

"We need to play complete games in the playoffs," said Singer. "We need to finish every quarter and every play! We also need to play as a team! That is how we complete at our best!"

written by Colleen Loftus, Athletic Student Communications Assistant