Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. - The St. Thomas Aquinas College Men's Lacrosse team suffered a 21-2 defeat at the hands of No. 5 Mercy University, in conference action on Saturday afternoon at Mercy Field in Westchester County.

STAC falls to 4-9 overall and 1-2 in ECC play, while Mercy improves to improves to 8-1 and 3-0 on the year.

Senior Reno Molina and Sophomore Austin Palen led the Spartans' offense with a goal apiece on the afternoon. Senior goalie Craig Peavy (L, 4-9) got the start between the pipes for the maroon and gold and stopped 21 of 42 shots faced, before being replaced by teammate and graduate student Justin Avella for the final three minutes of the contest.

Meanwhile, Mercy was led by TJ Heyder, who tallied six goals, while Brody Caskenette added five goals and two assists and Ryan Smith netted two goals and added two helpers. Connor Abrahall (2 goals), Devon Duchnowski (1 goal, 1 assist), Andrew Calabria (1 goal), Jake Norton (1 goal), Colin Orsino (1 goal), Christopher Bergersen (1 goal) and Justin Gerdvil (1 goal) added to the totals both on the scoreboard for the Mavericks. Goalie Cameron Dorfman (W, 8-1) made five stops on six shots, before being spelled by Tyler Vassell for the final 12 minutes of the match. Vassell stopped three of four shots sent his way.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE: 

• Mercy outshot STAC 57-20 (42-10 on goal) for the game.
• Joseph Casarella tallied a team-high five shots, with two going on net for St. Thomas Aquinas.
• James Staeckeler gathered six of the Spartans 26 ground balls.
• Staeckeler and John Morris caused two Bobcats turnovers apiece on the afternoon.
• STAC won 7 of 27 faceoffs, with Austin Palen winning 7-of-23 draws.

UP NEXT:

STAC hosts the University of the District of Columbia on Saturday, April 6 (3:00 p.m.) at Spartan Field, with Senior Day festivities taking place prior to the match. The Spartans will also recognize Mental Health Awareness Day prior to the start of their ECC contest with the Firebirds. Fans are encouraged to wear green in support of the cause.