OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Stevenson men's lacrosse team (7-8 overall, 6-1 MAC Commonwealth) earned an 18-4 victory over Messiah on Tuesday night. With the win, the Mustangs secured the opportunity to host a MAC Commonwealth Semifinal contest.

Stevenson opened the game with five unanswered goals in the first quarter, as Brennan McKneely, Max Racich, Gavin Gossen, Darrell Curtis, and Camden Deming each found the back of the net to give the Mustangs a 5-0 advantage.

Messiah broke through with its first goal at the 12:39 mark of the second quarter, but Stevenson responded with a six-goal run. Peyton LaRocco, Gossen, McKneely, and Racich fueled the surge, extending the lead to 11-1 at halftime.

The Falcons struck early in the third quarter, scoring at 12:16, but LaRocco answered to maintain a double-digit lead. After Messiah added another goal, Camden Miller netted one for the Mustangs to make it 13-3. The Falcons tallied once more before the end of the period, as Stevenson carried a 13-4 lead into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, the Mustangs sealed the victory with five additional goals. Hunter Bryant, Giovanni Daddario, LaRocco, and Racich all contributed, while Curtis recorded his 200th career point with an assist. Stevenson closed out the 18-4 win to cap the night.

Bryant, Gossen, LaRocco, and Racich all tallied four-points on the night, as Curtis, McKneely, and Miller slotted two. Connor Dunay won 15 out of 21 faceoffs, and picked up 10 ground balls, as Miller followed with five ground balls. In goal, Tyler Merchant made 10 stops. 

The Mustangs will prepare to jump on the road for a last nonconference matchup before post season at Ohio Wesleyan. The contest is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday.