GWYNEDD VALLEY, Pa. – The Drew University men's lacrosse team put up a late rally, but came up on the short end of a 9-7 decision in its season opener at non-conference opponent Gwynedd Mercy University on Saturday.

By the Numbers
It was the season opener for both teams, as the Rangers fell to 0-1 and the Griffins improved to 1-0.
 
Highlights
• Drew never trailed but tied the game twice in the first half – on a goal from junior Kyle MacDonnell that made it 1-1 in the first quarter and on a marker from senior Thomas Ensmenger early in the second quarter.
• The Rangers trailed 7-3 with 1:20 left in the third quarter before embarking on their comeback. Junior Kevin Goettlich scored twice during a 4-1 run before junior Nicholas Polacek made it a one-goal game when he scored with 3:32 to go. However, the Griffins answered with an insurance tally with 2:13 left.
 
Top Performers
• Goettlich ended the game with two goals and two assists.
• MacDonnell contributed two goals and one assist.
• Junior goalie Nate Sanders collected 16 saves – one shy of his career-high.
 
Stat Sheet
Gwynedd Mercy finished with advantages in shots (47-21), ground balls (34-19) and face-offs (14-6). The Rangers did not have an extra-man opportunity and successfully killed all five of its penalties.  
 
Up Next
Drew plays its home opener next Saturday, when it takes on Vassar College at noon.