GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Calvin men's lacrosse suffered its third loss of the year, falling to North Central (Ill.) with a final score of 9-5 on Saturday afternoon at Zuidema Field. 

The Cardinals quickly jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first quarter and held the Knights scoreless as the game went to the second. Calvin cut the lead to 3-2 as the second quarter was winding down with goals by Drew Stoneburner (Wheaton, IL / Wheaton North) and freshman Josh Moyer (Laurys Station, PA / Allentown Central Catholic). 

North Central answered right back by scoring a quick goal before half to give the Cardinals a 4-2 lead at halftime. The Cardinals continued their momentum and scored in the first minute of the third to make it 5-2. 

The Knights began battling back and rattled off two goals by Moyer and junior Robert Miner (Littleton, CO / Columbine) to make it a one goal game with a score of 5-4. However, North Central finished off the third with two more goals to extend its lead to 7-4. 

Calvin was struggling to put strings of good possession together as North Central's defense was holding them off. The Cardinals outscored the Knights 2-1 in the fourth to hold to win 9-5. 

Despite the loss, senior Evan Griffin (Howell, MI / Hartland High School) had a great game in goal with 14 saves. 

Senior Chase Sparling (Novi, Mich./Novi HS) picked up four ground balls for the Knights and won nine faceoff opportunities. Miner and Moyer each collected two goals on the day. 

COACHES COMMENT: "I was proud of the way our guys competed today against a talented team," said Calvin head men's lacrosse coach Dave Hoger. "Ultimately our mistakes and turnovers caught up with us, but it was a great test for us. We will grow from this and are excited to get back to work on Monday." 

UP NEXT: The Knights will host Elmhurst next Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Zuidema Field.