SAINT LEO, Fla. -- Freshman Jay Calcagno scored with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter to lift Saint Leo to an 8-7 victory over No. 10 Mount Olive Wednesday night at University Turf Stadium, ending the pairs third meeting in thrilling fashion.
Calcagno's game-winner was the first of his career as the freshman wove through the Trojans on a clear and found the back of the net unassisted from 15 yards out.
Calcagno turned in two goals, a career high for the newcomer. Matt Weller, Jason Randolph, Jake Kavanagh, Dylan Yonts, Jake Gilmour and Josh Kaufling each had unassisted goals for the Lions.
Mount Olive claimed the early lead, scoring on its first shot of the game and followed with two more quick goals. The Trojans held a 3-0 advantage with 6:10 left in the first quarter.
The Lions rallied from three goals down and held the Trojans scoreless for over 21 minutes of action. Saint Leo went on a 5-0 run during the 21-minute span, and ended the half with a 5-3 advantage.
In the third frame Stephen Bowlan and Brett Kingston ended the Mount Olive drought and tied the contest at 5-5. 20 seconds into the quarter, Nico Shewey found Bowlan and brought the Trojans within one. Six minutes later Kingston drilled one in a man-up situation after a cross-check sent Freddie Williams to the penalty box.
Despite the momentum shift, the Lions remained composed thanks to Will Cothron at the Face-Off X. Cothron won every Face-off in the third quarter. Kaufling scored at the 1:52 mark and gave Leo the lead it would not relinquish.
Calcagno opened the fourth quarter at the 10:12 mark and put the Lions on top 8-6. Saint Leo maintained the lead down the stretch until Mount Olive's Matt Shields brought the Trojans within one. The clock expired before the Trojans could mount an attack and Saint Leo pulled its first upset over a top-10 team since 2013.
Cothron, picked up 13 wins at the X and held Mount Olive to a 5 wins. The junior Face-Off specialist went 13-for-18 (.722) and picked up 3 ground balls. The Lions outshot the Trojans 36-31 and picked up 32 ground balls to Mount Olive's 21.
Goal Keep Dave Moore earned the win for Saint Leo and made 14 saves in 60 minutes of action. The junior now has 18 career wins.
The Lions return to action Friday at 7:00 pm at University Turf Stadium. Saint Leo hosts Shorter in nonconference action.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo men's lacrosse team, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
