UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Lafayette College men's lacrosse team took a one-goal lead into the half, but Penn State put together four unanswered in the heart of the final quarter to hold off the Leopards, 20-15, inside Holuba Hall.
 
Junior Ryan Duncan led the way with four goals for the Leoaprds and sophomore Peter Lehman picked up right where he left off a season ago, netting three goals and picking up an assist.
 
After the Nittany Lions opened up scoring on the afternoon, the Leopards scored back-to-back goals, 13 seconds apart, as sophomore John Mathes and junior Sean Rushton each found the back of the net.
 
Lafayette took control towards the end of the first period and into the second, scoring four-straight to take an 8-6 advantage when Lehman netted his first.
 
Penn State scored back-to-back goals with three minutes left in the half to tie the game at 11 before Duncan was able to break the tie with just three seconds left to give the Leopards the lead at the break.
 
The third period is where Penn State tightened things up and outscored the Maroon and White 4-1 to take a 15-13 lead into the final frame.
 
The Leopards responded as Lehman scored the first of the fourth to make it a one-goal game, but four unanswered Nittany Lion goals would ice the game.
 
Lafayette would win the faceoff battle, 20-19, and forced Penn State into 16 turnovers while committing 18 of its own.
 
Sophomore Charlie Cunniffe registered two assists. Freshman Riley Sullivan made the start in his collegiate debut and scored his first career goal.
 
Lafayette will have another road test Feb. 12 at VMI before coming home to College Hill to host Sacred Heart on Feb. 19 at Fisher Stadium.
 
For the latest on the Lafayette College men's lacrosse program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafayetteMLAX and Instagram @lafayettemlax.