Jake Smolokoff started a run of four consecutive goals that included three man-up goals as the Susquehanna University Men's Lacrosse team battled back from an early deficit to tie the game at 5-5 early in the fourth quarter. Muhlenberg responded with three consecutive goals in the final period to take an 8-6 victory Wednesday night in the home opener for the River Hawks on Sassafras Field in Selinsgrove.

Muhlenberg (2-0) opened the game with four straight goals including three in a span of 1:17 midway through the first quarter to take the early lead.

Sophomore Chet Morgis scored to stop the early run and the Susquehanna defense tightened up and did not allow a goal until early in the second period.

The Mules score 53 seconds into the second to take a 5-1 lead before Smolokoff scored a man-up goal at the 12:39 mark of the second to draw the River Hawks to within 5-2 and sparked a four-goal run.

Erik Lanyi added a goal five minutes into the second half and Morgis notched his second goal of the game with a man-up goal late in the third quarter. The Susquehanna defense, led by James Abramo, who had a team-leading four groundballs, held an 11-4 advantage in groundballs and also forced 10 Muhlenberg turnovers.

The River Hawks took the momentum into the fourth quarter and tied the game with a Preston Ouellette man-up goal two minutes into the final quarter.

Muhlenberg answered with three goals in four minutes to regain control.

Susquehanna applied offensive pressure in the closing minutes and Jack Garrity scored off a pass from Louis Pillari with 30 seconds left for the final score.

Morgis led the team with his two goals and Ouellette also had a pair of points on a goal and an assist. Jake Fox and Dylan Abplanalp each caused two turnovers and Abplanalp made seven saves.

The River Hawks are back in action Saturday with a 2 p.m. game against King's College on Sassafras Field.