NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Christopher Newport's men's lacrosse player Ryan Merrell scored four times, including the game-winner, to give CNU a 9-8 win over visiting Catholic Wednesday afternoon.

The Cardinals came out hot scoring the game's first three goals in the first seven minutes of the game. CNU chipped away, scoring three straight of its own to tie the score at 3-3 just four seconds into the second period.

From there on out, it was a back and forth affair as CUA never led by more than one goal. The two teams were tied 5-5 at halftime.

In the second half, Catholic once again went ahead by one, and Christopher Newport always responded by tying the score. The Cardinals went ahead 8-7 with 1:52 left in the third and it would be the final time they would have the lead.

Jon Ims tied the score with 12:05 left in the game and Merrell scored his fourth goal of the game with 4:39 off a nice feed from Justin King. It would be the first time the Captains led.

Merrell also assisted once in addition to his four goals. King scored once and had two assists. Ims finished with one goal and one assist. Patrick Cavanaugh, Rob Duca and Chris Quigley both finished with one goal. Ryan Schray totaled one assist.

The Captains out-shot CUA, 26-24. Matt Miller finished with eight assists.

The Cardinals fall to 4-3 on the year. CNU improves to 5-4. Today's win gives the men's lacrosse program the most in its two years, eclipsing last year's four-win season.

Christopher Newport returns to action Saturday when they travel to Mary Washington with start time set for 1 pm.

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