MONTCLAIR, N.J. (4/22/11) – A fourth-quarter rally fell short for the Kean University men's lacrosse team, as the Cougars scored four straight goals in the final quarter before falling 9-8 to Montclair State University in Skyline Conference action on Friday afternoon.

The Red Hawks (8-6, 6-1 Skyline) led 9-4 early in the fourth quarter, before the Cougars (8-6, 3-3 Skyline) trimmed the lead to 9-6 with back-to-back goals by Brad Mills and Nick Angrisani just 35 seconds apart five minutes into the quarter.

Freshman Richard Cheifitz (pictured left) followed with back-to-back goals, the second of which came with 2:06 remaining and pulled the Cougars to within 9-8.  The Cougars won the faceoff and Angrisani's shot attempt sailed wide and the Cougars had one last possession in the final minute before the Red Hawks forced the turnover to seal the win and clinch the second seed in the upcoming Skyline Conference tournament.

In a back-and-forth first half, the Cougars took a 2-0 lead midway through the first quarter on goals by Angrisani and Cheifitz.  The Red Hawks netted the next four goals, including the first three from Tyler Meth, before Kean pulled to within 4-3 at halftime on a goal rookie Todd Petrone.

The Red Hawks opened the second half with four straight goals to take an 8-3 lead.

Meth led the Red Hawks with four goals and four groundballs, while goalkeeper Mark Glander made three saves.

For the Cougars, Cheifitz had a team-high three goals, while midfielder Tom Clifford had four assists.  Sophomore goalkeeper Lane Zierten (pictured right) made 14 saves.

The Cougars earn the fourth seed in the upcoming Skyline Conference tournament and face #1 Farmingdale State College on Wednesday, April 27.