STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (April 6) - The Saint Vincent men's lacrosse team edged Franciscan 12-10 in non-conference action in Ohio.

The win improved SVC to 4-5 overall while Franciscan dropped to 3-6 in 2016.

Saint Vincent got off to a slow start, trailing 3-1 less than eight minutes into the contest. However, the Bearcats battled back, scoring the final two goals of the first quarter to make it 3-3 after 15 minutes. First quarter goals came from Jeremy Kennedy, Anthony Hogeback and Alex Mueser.
 
The Bearcats continued their scoring run with the first three goals of the second quarter. Hunter Sharp, Mueser and Brendon Masten scored consecutively to give the Bearcats a 6-3 edge with 10:04 left in the half. The homestanding Barons would respond with the next two goals, pulling within one at 6-5. Sharp would add unassisted score to give SVC a 7-5 halftime lead.
 
Franciscan and SVC exchanged goals in the third quarter, each scoring twice over the 15 minutes, as SVC held a 9-7 lead going to the fourth. Sharp and Masten tallied the goals, while Hogeback registered an assist in the quarter.
 
Masten chipped in two more goals in the fourth to push the SVC lead to 11-8 with 8:04 to play. The Bearcats were able to keep Franciscan at a distance for the near majority of the remainder of the contest. The Barons cut the SVC lead to two goals with 1:30 left but could get no closer, falling 12-10.
 
SVC overcame being out-shot in the contest by a 43-32 margin. The Bearcats did get more shots on goal, holding a 23-20 advantage. The Bearcats struggled at times with clearing, converting 18-of-27 clears. Franciscan also won 18 of the 25 face-offs.
 
Masten led the way offensively with four goals, while Hogeback tallied five points (two goals, three assists). Kennedy chipped in four points (one goal, three assists). Sophomore Connor McMillen got the win in goal, making 10 saves over 60 minutes of play.

Saint Vincent returns to action with a home contest against La Roche on Saturday, April 9. Start time is scheduled for 1 p.m.