WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Catholic men's lacrosse team battled for another Landmark Conference win on Wednesday evening against Susquehanna. The Cardinals took an early lead over the River Hawks and never looked back, securing an 18-9 victory.

Catholic was strong on both ends from the first whistle, scoring five goals in the opening quarter while keeping Susquehanna Scoreless. Ryan Carickhoff started it off for the Cardinals, scoring off a feed from Brady McMahon. Steven Dezelic and Alejandro Masferrer quickly followed, each netting their first goals the first five minutes of play as they began their pursuit of hat tricks.

Parker Damon added a goal for Catholic, the third of his career, before Masferrer closed the quarter with his second of the game to give the Cardinals a 5-0 lead. 

Susquehanna got on the board early in the second quarter with a goal from Matt Chubenko, but Dezelic quickly answered with his second of the game. Jimmy Maro added another for the River Hawks, but Catholic stayed in rhythm, scoring four more in the second quarter. Logan Farrington and McMahon each found the back of the net, while Dylan Cicero added the second goal of his career, unassisted.

Masferrer capped the half with his hat-trick goal, sending Catholic into the break with a 10-2 advantage.

Carickhoff once again opened the scoring in the third quarter, netting his third goal off a feed from Burke Healy. Chris McCabe extended the lead with a goal, giving Will Gilfillan his third assist of the game. Dezelic then secured his hat trick on an assist from Damon.

Finn Smith, Cullen Lotz, and Matt Shandley also contributed goals in the third. Smith capitalized on a man-up opportunity for his second goal of the season, followed by one from Lotz. Lotz then assisted Shandley, who recorded his second goal of the season. Carickhoff capped the quarter by securing his hat trick with just four seconds remaining in the quarter.

The River Hawks pushed back in the final quarter, scoring five goals, while their defense limited Catholic to just one from Farrington. The Cardinals maintained control to close out the 18-9 win.

Dezelic, Masferrer, and Carickhoff all led the way with hat tricks. Masferrer paced the team with four points, adding an assist, while Carickhoff, Dezelic, Farrington, and Lotz each totaled three. Carickhoff now ranks second on the team in goals this season with 28, while Dezelic and Lotz are tied for third with 23. The three leaders have 37 points on the season.

Defensively, Zach Gibson had a solid performance with two caused turnovers and a ground ball. Colton Manorek secured the win in goal, recording four saves and four ground balls. In face offs, Connor Baia went 11-for-17 with six ground balls while Jack Suchanek finished 8-for-14 and picked up five ground balls.

With this win, Catholic extends their record to 10-5 overall and 6-1 in Landmark play. 

Up next, Catholic will host Lycoming on Saturday, April 18 at noon. Prior to the game, the Cardinals will have their Senior Day ceremony on Carlini Field.