by Alan Babbitt

The Hope College men's lacrosse team got everything it wanted from its final non-league match, except for a victory.

Midfielder Andrew Pavey, pictured, and the Flying Dutchmen played an intense, back-and-forth match on Saturday with visiting Carthage College (Wisconsin) before falling, 18-16.

There were 11 lead changes and 10 tie scores between the two teams, which entered with a combined 14-4 record. Carthage didn't score the decisive last goal until 1 minute, 13 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

"It's a good team. We've enjoyed playing them over the years," head coach Michael Schanhals said of Carthage. "We've got to figure out a way to get over the hump to get one against those guys. They always bring out a wrinkle we need to see, so it's good to have a game like that. We're just disappointed with the outcome."

Hope's next game is the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opener on Wednesday, April 3 at Alma College at 7 p.m. The Flying Dutchmen are seeking to repeat as MIAA regular-season champions.

Neither team enjoyed more than a two-goal lead over 60 minutes of play.

Three consecutive goals in a span of 3 minutes, 43 seconds early in the fourth quarter propelled Carthage (9-2) to the lead for good. Hope pulled back within a goal twice, but could not get the equalizer.

Pavey, a junior from Grand Rapids, Michigan (Forest Hills Eastern HS), scored a season-high four goals to lead the Flying Dutchmen (6-3).

Junior Rocco Mularoni of Hartland, Michigan (Detroit Catholic Central) chipped in three goals.

Junior midfielder Nathaniel Hentschel of Spring Lake, Michigan (Spring Lake) finished with two goals and two assists.

Senior midfielder Gino Battaglia of Dayton, Ohio (Lebanon) added two goals and one assist.

Freshman midfielder Liam Cunningham of South Lyon, Michigan (Detroit Catholic Central) scored twice.

Junior defender Andrew Caris of Hartland, Michigan (Detroit Catholic Central) picked up a season-high 10 ground balls.