FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The #4 Indiana Tech men's lacrosse team hosted the #4 University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) on Saturday afternoon in a battle of top five teams. Both the Warriors and Patriots came in tied at #4 in the first NAIA men's lacrosse poll of the season and Saturday's contest would live up to billing.

Cumberlands would get out on top early with a 2-0 lead through the first quarter. The Warriors offense would get going in the second quarter when Devin Macomber got them on the board with 7:15 to, making it 1-3 and again just 11 seconds before halftime as Tech trailed 2-5 at the break. Tech would start to chip away at the deficit in the third quarter with back-to-back goals by Josh Bramley and Simeon Bodley to cut the Patriots lead to just one. However, Cumberlands would add a goal before the period ended to go up 6-4 entering the final 15 minutes. The fourth quarter would go back and forth with Jake Deacon bringing the Warriors back within one on two separate occasions before the Patriots made it a two-goal advantage again with 5:38 to play. Ryan Tedesco would score at 2:35 for Tech to set up a thrilling final two minutes, but the Warriors would be unable to find a typing goal, falling 7-8 in the end. Macomber would lead the Warriors with two goals, three assists, and four ground balls. Tedesco and Simon Watson would each record two caused turnovers for the Orange & Black, while Kyle TwoBulls would make 13 saves in net.

The Warriors will look to bounce back with a home game on Friday, March 7th at 7pm at Warrior Athletic Field against Columbia (Mo.).