ARLINGTON, Va. – The Marymount University men's lacrosse team faced off against William Peace University on Saturday afternoon, celebrating the season opener at Long Bridge Park, but falling short to the Pacers in a 12-8 decision.

William Peace took an early advantage, scoring two quick unassisted goals within the first-five minutes. The Pacers ended the first half leading the Saints 4-0 and outshooting the Saints' offense 18-7.

After going 3-3 in the second quarter at the faceoff "X", senior Christian Lutz had five faceoff wins in the first half in eight opportunities; he finished 16-of-24 on the afternoon (66%).

The start of the second half led to an early goal for the Pacers, but sophomore Jonah Mackiewicz put the Saints on the scoreboard for the first time of the season when he dodged from the top of the box and beat his man to find the back of the net.

Minutes later, Mackiewicz found the back of the net again on a man-up opportunity, after a Pacers' pushing penalty. Before the end of the game, Mackiewicz found the back of the net one last time to secure his first-collegiate hat trick.

Freshman Troy Tangolics recorded his first-collegiate goal as time wound down in the third quarter, to cut the Pacers lead to just five headed into the fourth.

Late in the fourth quarter, sophomore Clark Akers put the ball in the back of the net one last time for the Saints to put them within three, but the comeback attempt fell short, as the Pacers took the win.

Senior Grey Clarkson made his 28th start in the net for Saints. He recorded 10 saves after facing 16 shots.

To start the second half, the Saints saw senior Patrick Ruleman in goal, who added six more saves for his career total of 142.

The Marymount men's lacrosse team takes the field again on Saturday, February 23 at Long Bridge Park to host the Hornets of Shenandoah University. The opening faceoff is set for 3:00 p.m.