MLAX defeats Cleveland State for first win of 2021

Box Score (PDF)

MILWAUKEE - The Marquette University men's lacrosse team defeated Cleveland State, 10-5, at Valley Fields on Saturday for its first win of the 2021 season.

The Golden Eagles (1-5, 0-4 BIG EAST) hopped out to an early 3-0 advantage thanks to goals from three different scorers.

After Cleveland State notched its first point to end the first quarter, Marquette got goals from captains Griffin Fleming and Connor McClelland, which sent MU into halftime with a 5-2 lead.

After the teams traded goals in the third quarter, Fleming scored three straight for the Golden Eagles.

CSU tallied the last goal of the contest with eight minutes to play, but the Marquette defense held off any chance of a comeback and gave MU its first win since March of 2020.

Fleming led the Golden Eagles with a five-point day on four goals and one assist, while freshman Russell Melendez added his first hat trick and an assist. Devon Cowan and Ryan Fazio each added a goal and an assist, with three others notching a helper.

Goalkeeper John Hulsman totaled nine saves and a .643 save percentage between the pipes, and Luke Williams won seven face-offs in his debut. Marquette's starting defensive unit combined for five caused turnovers and eight ground balls, led by P.J. Cox (two caused turnovers, three ground balls) and Mason Woodward (five ground balls).

For Cleveland State (1-4), five different players found the back of the net, headlined by Nick Polydoras (one goal, one assist). Evan Moskwa went 12-for-19 at the face-off dot, and Matt Manfredi totaled five ground balls. Kevin Sobey contributed seven saves in cage for the Vikings, and CSU led the overall ground ball battle 24-22.

Marquette will now get travel west for a second tilt against BIG EAST foe Denver. The Golden Eagles will square off against the No. 7 Pioneers on Saturday, April 3 at 1 p.m. Central.

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).