Despite four goals from freshman J.R. Lauri, the Misericordia University men's lacrosse team fell to 0-3 in conference play with an 18-7 loss, Saturday at Eastern.

Sophomore Lee Blair had two goals and an assist for the Cougars. Kyle Calabro also added a goal. Joe Lodato picked up a team-high six ground balls.

The Cougars were held scoreless in the first two quarters as Eastern took an 8-0 lead into the break.

A fast-paced second half saw the teams combine for 17 goals and 47 shots. After Lauri had opened up MU's account, three quick goals from Lauri, Calabro (nine seconds later) and then Blair made the score 11-4 with 5:50 remaining in the third.

Eastern answered with three straight goals of their own to end any thoughts of a comeback but the Cougars kept fighting until the end, with Blair scoring in the final second of the game.

The Eagles were whistled for eight penalties (totaling six minutes) but the Cougars could only manage a +1 differential on man-up opportunities, scoring twice but also conceding a short-handed goal.

MU was successful on just 14-of-24 clears, while Eastern had only one failed clear for the entire contest. The Eagles also held a significant advantage in ground balls (54-24).

Freshman Michael Orabona made his first collegiate start and played the entire 60 minutes in goal, stopping 14 shots.

Misericordia is now 2-6 overall and will host FDU-Florham on Tuesday.