MLAX opens BIG EAST play Saturday with Providence

Game Notes (PDF)

MILWAUKEE – The Marquette University men's lacrosse team begins BIG EAST Conference action on Saturday at Valley Fields against Providence.

Face-off against the Friars is slated for 11 a.m. Central time and a live broadcast will air on the BIG EAST Digital Network, which can be accessed through FloSports. Live statistics will be available on GoMarquette.com.

Following this weekend's game, the Golden Eagles head to New York City to face St. John's on Saturday, April 9.

THE MATCHUP: The all-time series between the Golden Eagles and Friars has featured some of the most compelling storylines in MU history. The Golden Eagles own a 6-3 edge in the series, which dates back to MU's first season as a member of the BIG EAST in men's lacrosse in 2014. Marquette won the first three meetings, including games by a one-goal margin in both 2014 and 2016. The Friars defeated MU for the first time during the 2017 regular season before the Golden Eagles claimed a 10-9 victory in the 2017 BIG EAST title match in Providence. The following campaign, MU rallied for a 12-11 overtime win at Valley Fields after scoring four times in the final 1:37 of regulation, including Griffin Fleming's tying goal with time expiring. The two squads split last year's two contests and MU won the April 17 meeting 7-6 on Devon Cowan's game winner in quadruple overtime.

Previous five meetings:
5/6/17             A            W, 10-9 (BIG EAST Championship)
4/14/18               H            W, 12-11 (OT)
4/13/19               A             L, 15-8
3/13/21               H            L, 12-8
4/17/21               A             W, 7-6 (4OT)

MARQUETTE (2-6): The Golden Eagles pulled within two goals early in the third after spotting Air Force a six-goal lead but could not further close the gap in a 16-9 loss at Valley Fields.

Redshirt freshman transfer Luke Blanc scored his first career hat trick for the Golden Eagles, while attackman Bobby O'Grady added to his team lead with his 20th goal of the campaign. Face-off specialist Luke Williams went 14-of-23 at the dot and added his second goal of the year midway through the second quarter.

All-BIG EAST performers Devon Cowan and Zach Granger are both out indefinitely, alongside attackman Russell Melendez, who was leading MU in points early this season. Freshman attackman Nolan Rappis also went down with a knee injury against Detroit Mercy and is done for the year.

PROVIDENCE (5-4): The Friars have won three of their last four games, including a 10-9 overtime victory over Hofstra in their last game on March 26. Matt Grillo leads PC with 26 goals and 28 points this season, while Ryan Bell has 22 assists and 28 points. Evan McGreen is tied for second on the squad with 16 goals and also has 11 assists. Grillo has been particularly effective in his career against the Golden Eagles, posting five goals in the first meeting last season as well as five scores in the 2019 meeting, while McGreen has scored in all four games against MU in his career. The Friars are led by 10th-year head coach Chris Gabrielli.

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