INDIANAPOLIS – The No. 9 UIndy men's lacrosse team fended off a late comeback attempt from 13th-ranked Mercyhurst on a freezing Saturday afternoon, earning an 8-7 victory from Key Stadium.
 
KC Carlson was on fire between the pipes, making a career-high 17 saves in the win, including a pair of big stops in the final minute.
 

?? Ice in his veins! https://t.co/slblrUtufm

— UIndy Athletics (@UIndyAthletics) February 17, 2024

UIndy led by five early in the final quarter before Mercyhurst rattled off four straight goals to inch within one. Nick Randgaard's third goal of the season at the 12:21 mark proved to be the difference.
 
INS & OUTS
It was as tight of a February lacrosse game as it could be, with both defenses on lock down. UIndy scored each of the first four goals of the afternoon, with Sam Puzevic netting the lone score of the opening quarter.
 
The Greyhounds tacked on three more in a span of 56 seconds midway through the second, as Triston Schaffer capped the impressive run that gave the home team a 4-1 advantage at halftime.
 
Schaffer recorded his first hat trick of the season with a goal early in the fourth frame, just over a minute before Randgaard's tally. The Lakers then put their foot on the gas pedal, scoring four times in six minutes to trail by just one.
 

?????? pic.twitter.com/WYCLbXDOSo

— UIndyMLax (@UIndyMLax) February 17, 2024

The final minute was electric, as Carlson made a game-saving stop with 48 seconds remaining, just moments before the buzzer-beat attempt from Mercyhurst backup goalie Tyler Moritzen.
 

CARLSON MAKES THE SAVE?? pic.twitter.com/iHNT1nzhOA

— UIndyMLax (@UIndyMLax) February 17, 2024

INSIDE THE BOX
- Trevor Lockwood was incredible on defense, finishing with four caused turnovers and six ground balls.
- Redshirt-junior Easton Ong recorded his first points of the season on Saturday, dishing out a pair of assists.
- The Lakers were a perfect 21-for-21 on clear attempts.
- The Hounds held the edge on the faceoff, as Caleb Parker secured 11-of-19 wins with eight ground balls.
 
MORE NOTES
UIndy evens the all-time series at four wins apiece and has won each of the past three meetings with Mercyhurst … grad transfer Justin Williams has now scored in his first four games as a Greyhound.
 
UP NEXT
The Greyhounds are set to host Walsh on Wednesday, Feb. 21, for a 4 p.m. battle at Key Stadium. The Cavaliers will open their season two days prior at home against Roberts Wesleyan.
 
UIndy leads the all-time series, 4-0.