GREENVILLE, Pa. — Thiel put a scare into visiting Medaille early on in a men's lacrosse game Wednesday, but in the end experience trumped a work in progress as the Mavericks came out on top, 17-7.

Medaille, the returning runner-up in the North Eastern Athletic Conference, had its hands full early on with Thiel, a program playing in just its third game. The Tomcats battled the Mavericks to a 4-4 tie after one quarter, despite being outshot 12-5.

Every time Medaille scored to take the lead in the opening frame, Thiel quickly responded to tie the game. The Mavericks' Andrew Belica opened the scoring with an unassisted goal only to watch the Tomcats' Francis Ahia (Penn Hills, Pa., Penn Hills) tie it with an unassisted goal of his own two minutes later. Benji Emile (Brooklyn, N.Y., Midwood ) twice scored equalizer goals in the frame, both of which were assisted by Andrew Shaver (Liverpool, N.Y., West Genesee). Finally, with just 2:15 left in the quarter, Brock Levick scored to put Medaille up 4-3 before Taylor Zain (Pickerington, Ohio, Pickerington North) came through with the fourth game-tying goal of the game just a minute later.

Things didn't go as well for the Tomcats in the second quarter as Scott Johnston, Matt Dunkle, Belica, Levick, Joe Glieco and Jim Luthart scored consecutive goals to put the Mavericks up 10-4. Showing they weren't ready to give the game away yet, Shaver scored for the Tomcats on an assist from Eddie Palmer (Cleveland, Ohio, Shaker Heights) with just 30 seconds left in the half.

Thiel made it 10-6 early in the third quarter as Shaver scored his team-leading ninth goal of the season, this one assisted by Ahia. The Mavericks added a pair of goals to post a 2-1 advantage in the quarter and a 12-6 lead in the game. They added five goals to Thiel's one in the final quarter to complete the scoring.

The Tomcats' final goal was scored by Cameron Rako (Hudson, Ohio, Hudson) on an assist from Ahia. The assist gives Ahia a team-high nine this season. He also leads the team in points with 12.

"I was proud of our effort today going against a tough team," coach Shem Johnston-Bloom said following the game. " We took a positive step for the program."

Thiel goalie Richard Cannon (Allison Park, Pa., Shaler Area) played an outstanding game, facing a barrage of shots. Medaille attempted 66 shots in the game, including 48 shots on goal. Cannon put forth a solid effort with 31 saves.

The loss drops the Tomcats' record to 1-2 on the season. They are 1-1 in the Rissell-Schreyer Dome, where they will host Wells on Saturday.