The NYIT men's lacrosse team had played tight games versus highly ranked opponents of late, including going down to the wire in losses against Pace and Adelphi. Saturday proved the exception. Third-ranked Mercy came to President's Stadium and defeated the Bears, 20-7. NYIT had taken a 3-2 lead on consecutive goals from Matt Murphy 28 seconds apart midway through the first quarter. However, the unbeaten Mavericks answered with 13 straight goals until NYIT stopped the streak with a goal by Lenny Innamorato with one second remaining before halftime. The Bears dropped to 2-10 overall and 0-1 in the East Coast Conference. Murphy finished with a team-high three goals in the defeat. NYIT's challenging schedule continues next Saturday in Brookville with the final Battle of the Boulevard against fifth-ranked LIU Post.