Army West Point Athletics
Army West Point
4-0
Mercer University
1-3
Men’s Lacrosse Dominates Mercer
February 23, 2025 | Men's Lacrosse
NAPLES, Fla. — The Army West Point Men's Lacrosse team (4-0) dominated Mercer (1-3) 17-4 in Naples, Fla., Saturday afternoon.
Leading the way for the Black Knights was Jackson Eicher, who recorded a team-high seven points with three goals and four assists. Gunnar Fellows contributed six points (four goals, two assists), while freshman sensation Brayden Fountain added five goals.
In the faceoff circle, Will Coletti took nine faceoffs—going 9-for-9—and also contributed a goal. Sophomore Robert Simone replaced Coletti and won six of 11 faceoffs.
In goal, Sean Byrne played 45 minutes and recorded nine saves, allowing just three goals.
Defensively, long-stick midfielder Ryan Nixon led with four ground balls and a forced turnover, while Casey Reynolds and AJ Pilate each forced two turnovers.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Army began the first quarter by dominating possession, with Coletto winning key faceoffs and pressuring Mercer's goalkeeper. The Black Knights fired 13 shots on goal in the first quarter, with Mercer's goalie Rand Paddack saving 12 until Jackson Eicher sneaked one past him in the final 23 seconds to give Army a 1-0 lead.
The second quarter unfolded similarly as Army maintained its possession and generated scoring chances, despite several stops by Paddack. At the 8:15 mark, Fountain capitalized on a failed clear attempt, picking up a ground ball and slipping it past Paddack. Moments later, a faceoff win and goal by Coletti opened the floodgates, and Army went on a 5-0 run to close the half up 8-0.
In the third quarter, Fellows assisted Eicher for a goal within the first 45 seconds. Although Mercer's Bears finally responded two minutes later off an Army turnover, Army answered with consecutive goals. Mercer managed to score at the 10:26 mark on a possession following a faceoff violation, and the two teams traded goals, stretching Army's lead to 12-3 with 7:29 remaining. In the final 22 seconds of the quarter, back-to-back goals by Fellows and Fountain pushed the score to 14-3 heading into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Army extended its advantage early when Hill Plunked found Dylan D'Agostino. After a nine-minute scoreless stretch, Ronan Loughman connected with Alex Petrignani to further extend the lead. In the final five minutes, both teams added a goal, and Army left Florida with a 17-4 victory.
NEXT UP
Army will host Lafayette this Saturday, March 1 at noon at Michie Stadium to kick off their 2025 Patriot League campaign.
