BELOIT, Wis. – The Beloit College Men's lacrosse team secured a conference victory Wednesday night, defeating Marian University 8-5 under the lights at Strong Stadium. Led by multi-point performances from Ryder Story (Salem, Ore.), Liam Walker (Elmhurst, Ill.), and Will Palmer (Downers Grove, Ill.), Beloit improved to 4-5 overall and 1-4 in NACC play.

The Buccaneers overcame an early deficit after the Sabres (2-6, 1-4 NACC) opened the scoring just under six minutes into the game. Beloit responded decisively, with John Imbriale (Brooklyn, NY) tying the score at the 8:24 mark, assisted by Walker. Just over three minutes later, Story netted his first of the game, assisted by  Palmer, giving Beloit a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish for the rest of the contest.

After Marian tied the score early in the second quarter, the Bucs took control with a three-goal run. Walker scored unassisted at 9:28, followed by  Palmer finding the net just under a minute later. Walker struck again with 2:40 left before halftime, this time assisted by Story, pushing the Beloit advantage to 5-2 at the break.

The Sabres tightened the score in the third quarter, but Beloit maintained its lead. Story capitalized on a man-up opportunity midway through the period, again assisted by Palmer, making it 6-3. Marian would score once more in the third, heading into the final quarter with Beloit leading 6-4.

The Buccaneers extended their lead in the fourth quarter.  Story completed his hat trick with an unassisted goal at the 11:41 mark. Less than three minutes later, Jordan Rice (Lynwood, Ill.) added another insurance goal, pushing the Beloit lead to 8-4. Marian managed one final goal, but Beloit's defense and goalkeeping held firm for the 8-5 final.

Story was the offensive catalyst for Beloit, finishing with a game-high 3 goals and 1 assist for 4 points, while also collecting 4 ground balls and causing 3 turnovers. Walker contributed significantly with 2 goals and 1 assist, and Palmer added 1 goal and 2 assists, firing a game-high 13 shots (7 on goal). Imbriale and Rice each chipped in with a goal.

In goal, Eric Seo (Woodridge, Ill.) played a crucial role in the victory for Beloit, making 12 saves while allowing only 5 goals for the win. He also scooped up 4 ground balls.

The Buccaneers stay home this weekend, hosting the Benedictine University Eagles on Saturday at 1 pm at Strong Stadium.