MACON, Ga. – The Mercer men's lacrosse team was unable to overcome Detroit Mercy’s late rally, falling 8-7 in overtime, Sunday afternoon at Five Star Stadium.

The Titans (1-1) struck first in overtime, as Brett Erskine scored his second of the day, with 3:11 remaining in the first period of extra play to seal the victory for Detroit Mercy.

Mercer (1-3) netted the game's first goal just two minutes into the contest (13:11) as Scott Baird scored his sixth goal of the season, assisted by Michael Quinn. Baird netted another with 1:18 remaining in the first period. Matt Hughes scored his third goal of the season not even 10 seconds later (1:10) to give the Bears a 3-0 lead after the first period of play.

Mercer found the net early in the second period as Matt Quinn (14:19) beat the keeper, assisted by his brother Michael Quinn. Jake Priester netted his first goal of the season with 9:38 remaining in the second to give Mercer a 5-0 lead. The Titans (1-1) were eventually able to beat goalkeeper Bradley Hodoval, scoring two goals over the next nine minutes. Scott Baird scored right as the half was ending (0:22) and the Bears entered the locker room with a 6-2 lead.

Pascal Coombs opened the scoring in the second half with a man-up goal, connecting for his first of the season. The only other score of the period was from the Titans with 4:22 remaining.

Despite the Bears several attempts on goal and shots throughout the period, the Titans were able to rally back, scoring four goals in the fourth, including an overtime-forcer with 19 seconds remaining in the game.

Mercer’s Scott Baird had a hat trick on the day, scoring three goals. Goalkeeper Bradley Hodoval tallied 10 saves for a season high.

Despite the scoreline, the Bears outshot the Titans 36-33. Mercer won the faceoff battle, 11-8. The Bears were nearly perfect for the day on clear attempts (22-23).

The Bears will now begin a five game stretch away from home, traveling to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to face North Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 28.