Late Rally Lifts King's Men's Laxers Over Misericordia; Earn First Ever Postseason Bid

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.-- The King's College men's lacrosse team scored six straight goals in the fourth quarter to defeat visiting Misericordia 11-7 and capture the first-ever berth in the postseason since the program started in 1999.

Trailing 7-5 after a Misericordia (11-3, 2-2 Freedom) goal from Sean McGuigan, the Monarchs (7-6, 3-1) got goals from Pat Bonnot at 13:14 and a game-tying goal from senior Jason Merola at 7:21. King's took the lead on a Kevin Sweeney unassisted tally with 6:22 on the clock then tacked on three insurance goals to set the final.

The teams were tied 4-4 at the half when the Cougars came out of the locker room scoring with a pair of goals in the third quarter both by McGuigan. King's cut the lead to one, 6-5, with just 2 seconds on the clock when Lenny Fox found a wide open Kieran McMahon.

Sweeney led the Monarch attack with three goals and one helper for four points. Jake Cochran, Bonnot and Merola each scored two goals, while McMahon picked up two points on a goal and an assist.

McGuigan and Andrew Reynold each found the back of the net three times for Misericordia. Nick Santillo added a goal and a pair of helpers.

Brendan McCrudden picked up the win in net for the Monarchs making five saves. Patrick Johnson took the loss allowing all 11 goals and making 11 saves.

King's out shot the Cougars 52-25 and also won the battle in the faceoff circle winning 13-of-21 faceoffs. The Monarchs held a 36-28 edge in groundballs.

The Monarchs look to clinch a home playoff game with a win on Saturday when they travel to Manhattanville. The game is slated for 4:00 p.m.