DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - The Marymount University men's lacrosse team dropped a close 8-5 decision on Wednesday afternoon on the road at Delaware Valley University.

Sophomore Hunter Ralston led the offense for the day with a hat trick of goals including the first one on the board for the Saints in the first quarter to draw the score even at 1-1. 

The Aggies separated the to a two-goal lead two minutes later, but a connection between junior Clark Akers and junior Jonah Mackiewicz cut the deficit to one with 3:13 remaining in the period. Before the break, DelVal added one more to carry a 4-2 lead into the second quarter.

The next 15 minutes was a stalemate on the scoreboard, as both defenses held strong to keep the score at 4-2 by the half. In the second quarter, the Saints outshot the Aggies, 12-8, with seven on target. 

On the restart, DelVal pushed the score to its largest lead of the game at 5-2, but the Saints remained in striking distance. 

Over the next six minutes, the Saints went back-to-back on goals to draw within one with 5:34 remaining in the third quarter. Freshman Thomas Pizzuto threaded one to Ralston for this second goal of the game, and was followed by a connection between freshman Chris Clark and junior Nicholas Kinstler. 

In the final parts of the third, the two teams traded goals including Ralston's third finish of the game to send the game to the final quarter, 6-5.

Unfortunately, the only two goals that were scored in the final 15 minutes were by the Aggies, holding out for the 8-5 final. 

Junior Cole Kocovsky led the defense with three caused turnovers and three ground balls. 

The Saints were nearly perfect on the transition game, finishing 20-for-21 on clear attempts. 

Sophomore Anthony Olivo tended the net for the full 60 minutes, making 16 saves in the effort. 

The men return home for a non-conference matchup on Saturday, March 14, hosting Washington & Jefferson at Long Bridge Park. Start time is set for 1 p.m.