WESTERVILLE, Ohio  – The Kenyon College men's lacrosse team jetted out to an early four-goal lead after one quarter of play, helping them to an 8-7 victory over the Otterbein University Cardinals. The Cardinals rallied in the middle quarters to draw within one goal before the Lords' defense clamped down to earn their fifth win of the year.

Kenyon scored the first four goals of the contest, two of which off of the stick of Justin Coleman, while holding the Cardinals scoreless through the game's first 15 minutes. After Coleman's opening goal with 4:21 into the game, both teams went on a dry spell that last nearly six minutes before Kenyon exploded for three goals in a span of 2:08.

Alec Foresta began the run with a goal with 4:50 remaining in the first quarter to increase the lead to 2-0. Chris Pappalardo turned in a pair of assists, teaming up with Coleman and Mackie Avis on goals to double their previous lead. Only 30 seconds separated the final two goals of the Lords' 4-0 run.

Otterbein scored the game's next two goals to draw within a pair, marking one of a game-high five goals scored by Cardinals attacker Andrew Donatelli. The Lords failed to combat Otterbein's two scores, leading to a 4-2 score at halftime.

Kenyon (5-4) capitalized off an early turnover to open the third quarter, leading to a Trey Trudell goal less than three minutes in. Donatelli and the Cardinals responded with goals scored back-to-back to draw within one score of the Lords.

Five minutes into the final frame, the Cardinals' Mike Dattolo tied the game at six. The lead was short-lived when thirty seconds later the Lords took the faceoff and applied the pressure to regain the lead, 7-6. After Avis' shot was saved by Cardinals goalkeeper Adam Hatchard, Chris Pappalardo put the go-ahead goal home. Kenyon increased its lead to two heading into the final two minutes of play when Donatelli scored his final goal of the night to give Otterbein one last hope to tie the game. The Lords won the final faceoff and killed the clock over the final 1:05 to solidify the win.

Avis led the Lords with four goals on seven shot attempts. Coleman and Pappalardo each has three points each while combined for a trio of goals and assists. Freshman Patrick Shevelson earned his fourth win in as many starts behind an eight-save performance.

The Lords will jump back into North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) play when they host Oberlin College on March 30. The match will begin at 1 p.m. from McBride Field.