LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – The Cleveland State University men's lacrosse team notched its first win of the 2021 season on Saturday afternoon, taking down Bellarmine 8-1.

Saturday's contest was the third all-time meeting between these two programs, as the Vikes hold a perfect 3-0 advantage.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"Saturday's game was the first time this year we put it all together in all phases, especially defensively and in the net. (Kevin) Sobey was outstanding; the guys in front of him gave up shots he could save and we were nearly perfect in the clear. We put 24 of 30 on cage offensively and to their credit, Higginbotham was excellent. Proud of the effort overall and nice to get that first one on the board in 2021." – Head Coach Andy German 

THE GAME
The Vikings struck first against Bellarmine with 5:31 to go in the match as Dylan Warner found the back of the net for the third time this season, assisted by Tristan Hanna.

Bellarmine responded with its lone goal to tie the game 1-1 at the 4:04 mark of the first quarter. Cleveland State wouldn't allow another goal the rest of the match, while scoring seven unanswered.

Gabe Reno and Chase Baker each tallied goals in the opening quarter, extending the Vikes lead to 3-1 after the first 15:00.

Baker notched his second goal of the game in the second quarter, assisted by Zach Whitenack, to give Cleveland State a 4-1 advantage at the intermission of Saturday's matinee tilt.

The Green and White tacked on three more goals in the third frame, as Warner, Michael Wilson and Nick Polydoras each found the back of the net, putting Cleveland State up 7-1.

Baker chipped in his third goal of the day at the 9:12 mark of the fourth quarter, with the assist from Jason Sullivan.

Cleveland State tallied eight goals on seven assists and 24 shots on goal.

Kevin Sobey registered a .944 save percentage in Saturday's contest, recording 17 saves.

UP NEXT
The Vikings will travel to South Bend, Indiana, to take on nationally-ranked Notre Dame on Saturday, March 20.

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