Lourdes held a slim lead heading into the final stanza on Saturday afternoon, but came up just short as Missouri Baptist edged the Gray Wolves 8-7 on Saturday afternoon.
 
"Today was a learning experience for us," said head coach Patrick Yannarelli following the matchup. "We played hard and will work on fixing multiple areas that need attention. We are looking forward to getting back to work at practice tomorrow."
 
The Gray Wolves held a 6-5 lead heading into the final period of action, but Missouri Baptist (2-2 overall) was able to score three straight goals midway through the fourth quarter to take the 8-6 lead. Lourdes was able to tally one more goal, but failed to get any closer as the Spartans closed out the victory.
 
In the first period, Nick Johnson (Perrysburg, Ohio/Perrysburg) and Cory Campbell (Dayton, Ohio/Bellbrook) each scored, giving Lourdes a quick 2-0 lead.
 
After the Spartans knotted the game at 2-2, Jake Noel (Knoxville, Tenn./William Blount) found the back of the net to give Lourdes a 3-2 advantage after one.
 
Mark O'Bryant (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights) would score for the Gray Wolves in the second stanza, but two goals from the hosts knotted the game at 4-4 at the intermission.
 
In the third quarter, Lourdes Blake Alexander (Edgewood, Ky./Dixie Heights) and Johnson added two more and helped Lourdes to a 6-5 lead entering the final period of play.
 
The Spartans scored three straight to open the fourth quarter and one final goal from Johnson was not enough as Missouri Baptist held on.
 
Johnson led the way for Lourdes with three goals, marking the third consecutive game he has posted three or more goals. Collin Miller (Royal Oak, Mich./Shrine Catholic) picked up a team-best four ground balls.
 
In the net, Tyler Hart (Brighton, Mich./Brighton) went the distance, posting 10 saves.
 
Lourdes (2-1 overall) returns to action on Monday afternoon with a 2 p.m. matchup at Saint Mary (Kan.).