ATCHISON, KAN. – Missouri Baptist University men's lacrosse dropped a road contest to (RV) Benedictine College (Kan.), 16-8, on Saturday afternoon.

The Spartans (2-9, 1-3) came out strong early, matching the Ravens goal-for-goal in a fast-paced opening quarter. Missouri Baptist built a 4-2 lead behind early scores from Caleb Ward, Joe Busselman, and Jake Cordes before Benedictine responded with two late goals to even the game at 4-4 after one.

Benedictine (8-0, 4-0) took control in the second quarter, holding MBU scoreless while putting up three goals to take a 7-4 lead into halftime. The Ravens carried that momentum into the third, breaking the game open with a dominant 7-0 run to extend their advantage to 14-4.

Missouri Baptist showed fight in the fourth quarter, outscoring Benedictine 4-2 down the stretch. Busselman netted two late goals to complete his hat trick, while Ryan Metcalf and Liam Prindable also found the back of the net in the final period.

Busselman led the Spartans with three goals, while Ward added two goals and two assists. Cordes, Metcalf, and Prindable each chipped in a goal apiece. Drew Chiodini and Alex Reyes contributed in the playmaking game with multiple assists.

Defensively, goalkeeper Daniel Heinrich recorded 14 saves in the full 60 minutes of action.

Despite a strong start, turnovers and possession battles proved costly for Missouri Baptist, as Benedictine held advantages in shots (55-23) and ground balls (39-21).

The Spartans will return to action next week, on April 11, at Midland University. Faceoff is set for 2 p.m.

Stat Leaders

Goals: Joe Busselman (3)

Assists: Caleb Ward / Drew Chiodini (2)

Points: Caleb Ward (4)

Shots: Ryan Metcalf (5)  

Ground balls: Anthony Fillerup (9)

Saves: Daniel Heinrich (14)