WORCESTER, Mass. – Powered by the game-winning goal in overtime from senior Jack Agres (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale), off an assist from sophomore Cole Hunsberger (Waterloo, Ontario/Grand River Collegiate Institute), the No. 17 Mercy University Men's Lacrosse Team earned a 13-12 come-from-behind overtime win at RV Assumption University in their 2026 season opener on Saturday afternoon at Brian Kelly Stadium.
The Mavericks (1-0) win their ninth straight season opener and improve to 3-0 all-time against the Greyhounds (1-1).
Mercy began the first quarter with a strong offensive push, as freshman Dean Kott (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale) scored the opening goal at 13:45, assisted by freshman Karsen Pritchard (Clay, N.Y./Cicero North Syracuse). However, Assumption quickly responded with goals from Patrik McGrath and Kole Mancini, establishing a 2-1 lead midway through the quarter.
Despite falling behind 3-1 after a goal by Ben McHugh, Mercy's persistence paid off when senior Matthew Magyar (Floral Park, N.Y./Wingate University) scored, assisted by Kott, to narrow the deficit to 3-2 with 3:08 remaining. The quarter closed with Mercy trailing by one, setting the stage for a competitive continuation in the following quarter.
Mercy capitalized on an early turnover by Assumption, leading to a goal by Magyar with an assist from junior Christopher Bergersen (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale), setting the tone for the quarter. Shortly after, Bergersen added to the lead with a goal assisted by Hunsberger. Mercy continued to press, with Agres scoring off a Kott assist, extending the lead further.
Despite a man-down situation, Magyar found the net again, assisted by sophomore Nicholas Filocamo (Levittown, N.Y./Island Trees), maintaining the momentum. The Greyhounds managed to score through Max Lowenberg, but Mercy responded swiftly. Magyar closed the quarter with his fourth goal, capping a strong offensive showing. The quarter ended with Mercy leading 7-4.
Mercy began the third quarter with sophomore Michael Mitrano (Hilton, N.Y./Hilton) winning the faceoff on a violation. Despite this advantage, Mercy faced strong defensive plays from Assumption's Shane Corcoran, who recorded multiple saves. Assumption tied the game at 7-7 with a goal by Boomer Staunton at 8:34.
The Greyhounds then took the lead with two quick goals from Lowenberg and Patrick Johnston, making it 9-7. Magyar found the net at 3:17, assisted by Bergersen, reducing the deficit to one.
Assumption extended its lead to 10-8 with Johnston's goal at 1:35. Mercy's attempts to close the gap were thwarted by Corcoran's saves, and the quarter ended with Assumption holding a 10-8 advantage.
Mercy started the fourth quarter with strong momentum as senior Devon Duchnowski (Miller Place, N.Y./Miller Place) scored just 23 seconds into the quarter. Magyar extended the scoring with his sixth goal of the game, tying the score at 10-10. However, Assumption responded with two goals, taking a 12-10 lead with 8:16 left in regulation.
Midway through the quarter, Hunsberger, assisted by freshman Jackson Wilkinson (Scarborough, Ontario/Everest Academy), found the net, bringing Mercy back into contention. With less than 30 seconds remaining in regulation, junior Jake Norton (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale) scored to tie the game again at 12-12, following a Filocamo caused turnover.
The quarter concluded with a save by junior Cameron Dorfman (West Islip, N.Y./West Islip), ensuring the game was tied at the end of regulation.
Overtime began with a faceoff win by Mitrano, who secured the ground ball, setting the stage for their offensive push. Assumption forced a turnover and had their shot go wide.
Mercy's clear attempt was successful and Agres found the back of the net with 2:33 remaining in the overtime period, assisted by Hunsberger, giving the Mavericks the 13-12 overtime win.
Mercy was led by Magyar who recorded a game-high and career-high six goals from 11 shots, all of which were on target, demonstrating effective scoring efficiency. Agres contributed decisively with two goals, including the game-winner in overtime. Kott, Hunsberger and Bergersen each added a goal and two assists and Duchnowski and Norton added goals. Wilkinson and Pritchard both added an assist and Filocamo had an assist and a game-high four caused turnovers. Mitrano went 11-of-25 on faceoffs with five ground balls and Dorfman made 13 saves to earn the win.
Assumption was led by Johnston who had a team-high three goals. Shane Corcoran made a game-high 14 saves to take the loss.
Assumption held a 44-36 edge in shots and Mercy held a 27-25 edge in shots on goal. Assumption held a 30-26 edge in ground balls and Mercy went 14-of-29 on faceoffs.
Head Coach Ryan MacSpadyen and the Mavericks resume action on Wednesday, February 18th when they host Georgian Court in their home opener at 2 p.m.
