The Mercer men's lacrosse team rallied back from a four goal deficit but fell just short, dropping a 9-8 decision to the Richmond Spiders Saturday afternoon at Five Star Stadium. How It Happened Mercer jumped to a quick 1-0 lead as Pascal Coombs netted the opening goal less than two minutes into the game, assisted by Scott Baird. The two teams grinded out a defensive battle in the first period with neither squad finding their rhythm offensively. With just seconds remaining in the quarter, Ryan Lanchbury equalized the game at 1-1. Thirty three seconds into the second period, Mitch Savoca snuck one past Mercer's Bradley Hodoval to give Richmond their first lead of the game. The Bears responded quickly as Scott Baird rocketed one in with 13:51 remaining in the second to tie the game once more. Richmond would go on a 5-2 run over the remainder of the half, with Nick Rockefeller (9:48) and Coombs (0:23) scoring for the Bears. The Spiders' Mitch Goldberg scored in the opening minutes of the second half to give Richmond their largest lead of the game. However, the Bears would not go away quietly as Baird netted his second of the day with just under ten minutes remaining in the third. Both squads would find the back of the net once more in the third, as Richmond entered the fourth quarter holding a 9-6 lead. Mercer continued to fight, dominating the fourth period offensively. Baird scored with 10:20 left in the game to complete his hat trick. Matt Quinn cut the Spiders' lead to one goal with 2:13 remaining. The Bears were unable to complete the late rally, falling just short as the game came to an end with Richmond prevailing, 9-8. With the loss, Mercer falls to 4-9, while Richmond improves to 9-4. Notables » Despite the score line, Mercer outshot the Spiders, 38 to 22. » The Bears forced the Spiders' keeper to produce 11 saves. » Goalkeeper Bradley Hodoval tallied 7 saves on the day. » The Bears went 0 for 2 on the afternoon on man-up opportunities. » Mercer out-scooped Richmond, 25-15 on ground balls. » Mercer won the faceoff battle, 15 to 6. Records Update Mercer: 4-9, 2-4 SoCon Richmond: 8-5, 5-1 SoCon Next Game The Bears will conclude the regular season, traveling to High Point, N.C. to take on the High Point Panthers next Saturday, April 28. Play is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m.