Catawba held visiting Belmont Abbey to one goal over the final three quarters as it rallied for a 6-5 win in men's lacrosse action on Wednesday night at Shuford Stadium. The 11th-ranked Catawba Indians improve to 9-2 overall, while the Crusaders fall to 5-6.

Catawba got a pair of goals in the opening six minutes to go on top 2-0, but the Crusaders scored the next four over a six minute span to grab a 4-2 advantage. Nick Boylan tied the game at the 4:34 mark then put Belmont Abbey on top with 2:17 left in the quarter. Six seconds later, Brian Watson upped the lead to 4-2.

The Indians scored the lone goal of the second quarter to pull within 4-3 at the break. Barden Artem got the goal with 3:31 left in the half. Belmont Abbey regained its two-goal margin in the opening two minutes of the third quarter, but a man-up goal by John Scheich got Catawba back within a goal at the 10:29 mark and Freddie Turcio pulled the Indians even with 6:46 left in the quarter.

Artem scored the game-winner early in the fourth quarter then Catawba held off Belmont Abbey for the final 13:25 to post the win. Boylan led the Crusaders with two goals. Tanner Scharr had a goal and an assist. Mike Pease grabbed seven ground balls for Belmont Abbey and also caused seven turnovers. Artem and Turcio each had two goals for Catawba, while Scheich had a goal and an assist.

Catawba held a slight edge in shots (27-26) and ground balls (35-31), while winning one extra face-off. Michael Pecchia turned back 14 shots in goal for Catawba, while Tony Kikola made 10 saves for the Crusaders.