Kirschner's OT winner lifts LAX past Cleveland State, 11-10

Box Score (PDF)

CLEVELAND – Freshman Chris Kirschner's second goal 25 seconds into overtime pushed the Marquette University men's lacrosse team to an 11-10 victory over Cleveland State in Andrew Stimmel's head coaching debut on Saturday morning at Krenzler Field.

The Golden Eagles (1-0) trailed by as many as three goals late in the third quarter until consecutive scores from sophomore Holden Patterson pulled them within one, 7-6, heading into the fourth.

Sophomore face-off specialist Thomas Washington won the opening draw of overtime to senior Luke Anderson before Kirschner threw it in an empty net from 40 yards out against a CSU ride.

Freshman Devon Cowan notched a hat trick in his collegiate debut, including a pair of scores in the fourth quarter that tied the game (7-7) and gave MU its first lead (9-8) since the first half. The Mount Laurel, New Jersey native also added a pair of assists in the victory for a five-point day.

Junior goalie John Hulsman posted 10 saves, including four during the pivotal third quarter as MU made its way back from the three-goal deficit.

Senior midfielder Peter Henkhaus scored the first NCAA men's lacrosse goal of the season less than a minute into regulation and added a tying goal to make things 8-8 midway through the fourth quarter.

Cowan, Garrett Moya, Zach Granger and freshman Mason Woodward all made their first career starts and Woodward posted a game-high eight ground balls and caused three turnovers in his NCAA debut.

Tristan Hanna notched a hat trick for the Vikings (0-1), who held a 38-37 edge in shots and won 14-of-23 face-offs, with Danny Tesler claiming 9-of-16 and Cole Anderson winning 5-of-7.

The Golden Eagles return to Milwaukee to host Bellarmine in their home opener on Saturday, Feb. 8 at noon Central time.

Keep up with the Marquette men's lacrosse program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteMLax) and Instagram (@MarquetteMLax) and 'liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteMLax). For tickets, visit online or call the Marquette Ticket Office at 414-288-GOMU (4668).