PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Providence College Friars opened the season with a 10-9 win against Holy Cross in men's lacrosse action on Wednesday, March 1 at Providence, R.I. Friar junior Jeff Merklinger led the squad with three goals.

The Friars led 5-2 at halftime on goals by senior Ken Leahy, sophomore Chris Houston (two goals) and Merklinger (two goals). However, the Crusaders outscored the Friars 4-1 in the third quarter to even the game at 6-6 after 45 minutes of action.

The two teams battled in the fourth quarter before junior John Price scored Holy Cross' ninth goal with 2:27 remaining in the game. The Friars evened the game on a goal by sophomore John McCullough with 1:48 remaining before senior Ken Leahy fired in the game winner with 1:01 remaining in the contest.

Sophomore James Groom had three goals for Holy Cross and junior Rich Santoro had a game-high five assists for the Crusaders.

Senior netminder Brian McCarthy recorded 11 saves in the victory for PC. Senior John Lilly had 15 stops for the Crusaders.

With the win, Providence improved to 1-0, while Holy Cross fell to 0-1.

The Friars will return to action on Saturday, March 4 against Wagner at Fairfield, Conn. at 3:00 p.m.

at PROVIDENCE, R.I.

Holy Cross (0-1)		1	1	4	3	- 9


Providence (1-0)		2	3	1	4	- 10





Holy Cross goals:  James Groom 3, John Price 2, Steve Ribaudo, Matt Elliott, Greg Nuefeld, Rob Hotarek


Holy Cross assists: Rich Santoro 5, Steve Ribaudo, Rob Hotarek



Providence goals:  Jeff Merklinger 3, Jim Dooley 2, Ken Leahy 2, Chris Houston 2, John McCullough


Providence assists:  Ken Leahy 2, Skip Dunphy 2, Chris Houston



Saves:  Holy Cross,  John Lilly 4-3-4-4 -- 15


Providence, Brian McCarthy 2-4-1-4 -- 11



Shots:  Holy Cross 34: Providence 33


Ground Balls:  Holy Cross 36: Providence 35