The VMI lacrosse team earned its first Northeast Conference victory of the season with a 19-13 win over Mercyhurst on March 21 at Saxon Stadium in Erie, Pennsylvania.
This win marks an important step for the Keydets as they improve their conference record and build momentum during the season. The game featured a strong start from VMI, who scored seven goals in the opening quarter, including a hat trick by Jack Duncan-Bloom. Mercyhurst managed four goals in response during that period.
Duncan-Bloom finished with a career-high six goals on seven shot attempts, including what became the game-winning goal. Freshman Ethan Ostrowski contributed four goals, while Beau Durkin and Dayton Bagwell each recorded hat tricks. Durkin also matched his career-high with five assists and led the team with eight points for the day. Sophomore Zac Creel scored his first career goal as a Keydet, and Will Gormsen and Warner Lewis also added to VMI’s tally. Defensively, Greg Peters made an impact with three caused turnovers.
After building a 10-7 lead at halftime, VMI responded to an early second-half goal by Mercyhurst with four unanswered goals to extend their advantage. Another run in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach for Mercyhurst.
Following two road games to open conference play during Spring Break, VMI will return home to face Cleveland State next Saturday at noon at Drill Field 2.
