NEWARK, Del. – Powered by a career-high-tying 18 saves from junior Cameron Dorfman (West Islip, N.Y./West Islip) and the game-winning goal from senior Matthew Magyar (Floral Park, N.Y./Wingate University), the No. 17 Mercy University Men's Lacrosse Team earned a 9-8 win at RV Wilmington University on Saturday afternoon.

The Mavericks (3-0) start 3-0 for the first time since 2024 and improve to 4-0 all-time against the Wildcats (2-1).

Mercy began the first quarter with momentum, winning the initial faceoff and maintaining pressure on Wilmington's defense. Despite early saves by Wilmington's goalie, Daniel Flynn, Mercy broke through with a goal by sophomore Cole Hunsberger (Waterloo, Ontario/Grand River Collegiate Institute) at 7:40, assisted by junior Christopher Bergersen (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale). The Mavericks extended their lead with a goal from junior Colin Orsino (Brookhaven, N.Y./Bellport), assisted by freshman Jackson Wilkinson (Scarborough, Ontario/Everest Academy), at 4:48.

Wilmington responded by narrowing the gap with a goal from Josh Weston at 2:51, followed by another from Andrew Dzubak at 1:08, leveling the score. Dorfman made crucial saves to keep the game tied at the end of the quarter. The score stood at 2-2 after the first quarter.

Mercy began the second quarter with a strong start, winning the faceoff and controlling possession. Despite an early turnover, the team regrouped and responded to Wilmington's opening goal with a score by freshman Dean Kott (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale), assisted by Bergersen, leveling the game at 3-3.

Mercy continued to apply pressure, and sophomore Nicholas Filocamo (Levittown, N.Y./Island Trees) found the back of the net, assisted by Hunsberger, giving the Mavericks a 4-3 lead. After a series of exchanges, Kott scored again, with an assist from Magyar, extending Mercy's advantage.

Wilmington managed to narrow the gap with a late goal by Weston, assisted by Josh Lovely, but Mercy maintained its lead by the end of the quarter, closing with a 5-4 advantage.

Mercy began the third quarter with early momentum as sophomore Michael Mitrano (Hilton, N.Y./Hilton) won the faceoff and scored just eight seconds in, extending its lead. Mercy maintained possession, and Magyar capitalized on an assist from Hunsberger to score again, keeping the pressure on Wilmington.

Wilmington responded with a goal by Dzubak, assisted by Max Runcer, to narrow the gap. Despite several turnovers and a strong defensive effort from Mercy, the Wildcats managed to equalize with a goal from Quinn, making it 7-7.

The quarter closed with intense exchanges, as Mercy's defense, anchored by Dorfman's saves, prevented further scoring. The quarter ended with both teams locked at 7-7, setting the stage for a tight final quarter.

Orsino scored early in the fourth quarter, assisted by Hunsberger, to give Mercy an 8-7 lead. Wilmington quickly responded with a goal from Ian Betts, leveling the score. Mitrano secured the ensuing faceoff for Mercy, maintaining possession.

As the quarter progressed, Magyar found the back of the net at 1:48, marking his 13th goal of the season and restoring Mercy's lead. Dorfman made crucial saves down the stretch to preserve the advantage. Mercy ended the quarter with a 9-8 lead, securing the win.

Mercy was led by Dorfman who was a standout in goal, recording a game-high 18 saves to earn the win. Dorfman recorded his 300th career save, becoming the fifth Maverick in program history to reach the mark. Magyar contributed significantly to the offense with two goals and one assist, including the game-winning goal. Orsino added two goals, converting both of his shot attempts. Mitrano was effective at the faceoff circle, winning 11 of 17 face-offs, scoring one goal and adding six ground balls. Kott had two goals and Hunsberger had a game-high four points on a goal and three assists. Filocamo recorded a goal and Bergersen had two assists. Wilkinson had an assist and senior Sean Higgins (Macungie, Pa./Emmaus) had a career-high five caused turnovers.

Dzubak led Wilmington with two goals and one assist. Weston also made a significant impact, scoring two goals. Flynn made 12 saves to take the loss.

Wilmington held a 44-33 edge in shots, a 26-21 edge in shots on goal, a 32-28 edge in ground balls and Mercy went 11-of-20 on faceoffs.

Head Coach Ryan MacSpadyen and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, February 28th when they play at Bentley at 12 p.m.