FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Despite a strong third-quarter push, the Sacred Heart University men's lacrosse team was unable to hold off Merrimack on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers fell, 11-8, as they drop to 1-3 in Northeast Conference play. 
 
Records:
Sacred Heart: 3-7, 1-3
Merrimack: 5-4, 2-2
 
Top Performers:
Morgan O'Reilly: 3 goals, 4 SOG, 1 GB
Jake Ward: 2 goals, 1 assist, 2 SOG, 5 GB
Skyler Wilde: 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 SOG, 3 GB
Max Lionetti: 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 SOG
Carson Spooner: 2 assists, 3 SOG, 1 GB, 1 CT
Sal Miccio: 2 assists, 3 SOG, 1 GB
 
Goalies: 
Nicky LaBanca (SHU): (L, 2-4) 17 saves, 11 goals
Henry Vogt (MER): (W, 5-4) 16 saves, 8 goals
 
Up Next: 
The Pioneers hit the road for a two-game stretch beginning with Bryant on April 16 at 1 p.m.
 
Of Note:
Sacred Heart was outscored, 5-3, in the first half to give the Warriors the initial lead. 
 
Morgan O'Reilly capitalized on back-to-back passes from Sal Miccio to kick off the second half. O'Reilly's man-up goal sparked 3-0 run that was capped off by Jake Garb to give SHU a one-goal lead, 7-6. 
 
SHU's lead was short-lived as Merrimack netted four-straight that trickled into the fourth quarter. First-year Jake Ward would net SHU's lone goal of the fourth quarter, but the Warriors found the back of the net with one second remaining to put the nail in the coffin. 
 
Ward matched his career high as he led the team with five ground balls. Ward was also one of two Pioneers who led with three points as he posted two goals and one assist. O'Reilly led the Red & White with three goals. 
 
Lionetti posted his first goal and assist of the season.