DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque men's lacrosse team hosted non-conference opponent Benedictine University (IL) from the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference on yet another chilly night at Oyen Field. The Benedictine Eagles were able to stay within striking distance of the Spartans through the first half, but a 5-0 goal advantage in the third quarter for the Spartans led them to their second straight win and fifth of the season defeating the Eagles 16-8. 

The Eagles came out firing to start the game with a goal in the opening minute to give them what would end up being their only lead on the night. The Spartans would strike back 38 seconds later as Tyler Johnson scored the Spartans first goal of the game to draw even at 1-1. The Spartans would then rally off another four straight goals to lead 5-1 entering the later part of the first quarter before the Eagles added a late goal to finish the first quarter with a 5-2 lead. The Spartans would score four goals in the second quarter, as the Eagles got the lead back to three goals for a brief period  before Kyle Hephner extended the Spartans lead back to four at 9-5 at the half. 

The Spartans would control the third quarter as they rallied off five goals and held the Eagles out of the net to extend their lead to 14-5 after three quarters. The Spartans would see their biggest lead of the night in the fourth quarter as they led 16-5 before the Eagles scored the final three goals in the game. 

Giovanni Silva had a excellent night on the attack for the Spartans recording five goals and four assists. Both are season-highs for Silva. Sam Todd returned back to Oyen Field since his injury and scored three goals while dishing out two assists. Johnson and Aidan Culligan each added four points as Johnson managed three goals and an assist whereas Culligan recorded two goals and two assists. Ryan Doyle was active on the defensive end forcing eight turnovers and picking up 10 ground balls. Doyle's 10 ground balls tie his season-high. 

The Spartans outshot the Eagles 54-29 and had six fewer turnovers. The Spartans were able to clear 18-20 and make it difficult on the Eagles as they only cleared 15-31. The Spartans won 16 of the 25 faceoff attempts tonight. 

The Spartans sit at 5-6 overall and 1-0 in MLC play. 

Up Next
The Spartans will next take on Lake Forest College for what could be an all important conference game for regular season purposes as these two teams fought for the MLC Championship a year ago. The game is set for Saturday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m.