TOWSON, Md. – Mercer’s men’s lacrosse team defeated the Cleveland State Vikings, 16-13, on Monday afternoon. Junior Patrick Marks scored a career-high four goals in the game.

Marks opened the scoring for the Bears at the 7:03 mark in the first quarter. The Vikings would retaliate three minutes later with an unassisted goal. Cark Klepper and Ashton Wood closed out the first quarter with back-to back goals with under 35 seconds to go.

Daniel Shumake started the second quarter with a goal assisted by Sean Goldsmith. The Black and Orange would go on a 5-1 run with goals from Nick Rockefeller, Will McCarthy, Klepper, Marks and Goldsmith. Cleveland State answered with three goals but Goldsmith would add another before the end of the half.

Senior Michael Quinn scored the first goal of the second half with an assist from Goldsmith. The Vikings would score two goals and come within four. Mercer would close out the third quarter with a 3-1 run with two goals from Marks and one from Collin Stewart. Goldsmith recorded his seventh hat trick on the season with a goal off a Tim Kroneberger assist. The Vikings would score five goals to cut the lead but McCarthy’s goal would seal the game for the Bears. Mercer would take the game 16-13.

Goldsmith has a hat trick in every game so far. Jake Priester and Goldsmith recorded two assists in the game.

Freshman Colin Kelley registered eight saves on 42 shots faced. He only allowed 13 goals in his fifth win.

Mercer will head to Jacksonville for a Saturday SoCon matchup. The first conference game for both teams is set for noon.