ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Baptist men's lacrosse team had a strong start in the Great River Lacrosse Conference (GRLC) tournament with an 8-4 quarterfinal win over Washington University on Friday morning. 

Chase Hamernick struck first blood in the first quarter to put the Spartans (9-7) in the lead right off the bat. That lead held through the first quarter as MBU held the Bears to no goals.

The second quarter Missouri Baptist continued its lead with goals from Dan Mollet and Aaron McClintock. McClintock found his way to the back of the Bears net with seconds left in the half and put the Spartans up 3-1 as the buzzer sounded for half time.

Despite Washington University scoring the first goal of the second half, MBU was hungry for the win. Tim Borroff answered back notching his first goal of the game. McClintock fed by Borroff advanced Missouri Baptist's lead to three points. With a little bit of back and forth action the Spartans were able to maintain a 6-4 lead after the third quarter.

MBU held the Bears to no goals in the fourth quarter and were able to advance their lead yet again as Mollet and Ben Eder found their way past the Bears goalie for a final score of 8-4.

Mollet and McClintock notched two goals in the win while Eder, Hammernick, Borroff, and Austin Dahleach hit net for of goal of their own.

Goalie Ben Bowler, had 14 saves and four goals against in the game.

The Spartans will continue play in the GRLC tournament Saturday, April 2, at 10 am against the winner of St. Louis University vs Lindenwood University – Belleville.