WASHINGTON- The Catholic University of America men's lacrosse team took an 11-10 comeback win over the first seed Elizabethtown Blue Jays on Wednesday in the Landmark Conference semifinal matchup, advancing to the Landmark championship for the first time since 2010.

The Cardinals fell into a deep deficit in the first quarter, managing only one goal to the Blue Jay's five. Down 5-0 before the end of the quarter, sophomore midfielder Ethan Rodriguez scored an unassisted goal with just 23 seconds left in the first. Elizabethtown came out hard in the second, scoring two more goals to reach a 7-1 lead. Freshman attack Samuel Montgomery scored the team's second goal of the day, with an assist from senior middie Chris Wellock. The Cardinals entered halftime down 8-2, desperate for a change in pace. 

"We were motivated to prove that we belonged to be in that game, and we would play as a team in fighting to come back one goal at a time," said CUA Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Brooks Singer.

The Cardinals switched momentum in the third quarter, scoring five consecutive goals to clinch a one-goal deficit. Freshman midfielder Liam Clancy scored a man-up goal with an assist from sophomore middie Dylan Neville. Sophomore attack Tim Keith scored with an assist from senior midfielder Matt Brennan.

Now down 8-4, the Cardinals proceeded to score three straight man-up goals against the Blue Jays. Senior attack Brian Keith scored with an assist from Neville. Montgomery followed suit with his second of the day, assisted by Tim Keith. Neville reeled in the third man-up goal with an assist from Rodriguez. Tim Keith scored his second of the day with two minutes left in the third, the Cardinals only trailing by one goal, 9-8.

Catholic entered the fourth quarter determined to keep their scoring streak going. Both Brian and Tim Keith scored within the first three minutes of play, giving the Cardinal's their first lead of the game. The Blue Jays tied the game at ten just one minute later. With six minutes left in the game, Brian Keith scored his third goal of the day to put the Cardinals ahead 11-10. Catholic hung on to their one goal lead for the remainder of the game, defeating the No. 1 seeded Elizabethtown to advance to the Landmark Conference finals. Brian and Tim Keith each scored three goals on the day. Junior goalie Harrison Holak made a total ten saves against the Blue Jays.

"The Keith's would not give up, and knew that if the offense came together as a unit, we could be right back in the game," said Singer. "Harrison kept his poise in goal, and he was the anchor for the defense who only gave up two goals in the second half." 

The Cardinals will face the Royals of Scranton in the Landmark final on Saturday, May 2, 2015, for a 1:00 p.m. game in Scranton, Pa.

"This team belongs in the Championship, we earned it, and we deserve the victory," said Singer, "I am extremely proud of the team's perseverance today. The players showed how disciplined they can be, and how to truly come together as a team to win the game. We are excited for Saturday."

written by Colleen Loftus, Student Communications Assistant