BEL AIR, Md. - The Harford men's lacrosse team nearly pulled off the upset of the season on Tuesday, but eventually fell 14-10 to No. 3 CCBC Essex at home. The Fighting Owls executed their gameplan, but when Harford got within one goal of the eight-time defending Region XX Champs, the Knights would push the lead back each time.

The Fighting Owls used a three-goal flurry to inch closer at 6-5 in the second quarter, but CCBC Essex killed the Harford momentum with a goal just before the break to take a 7-5 lead into halftime. Another two-goal spurt got Harford within one at 8-7 midway through the third, and after the teams traded goals, the Knights scored two quick goals within 27 seconds to take an 11-8 lead into the final frame. Harford's Mike Cooke scored back-to-back tallies to again get it to one goal at 11-10, but the Knights were able to score the final three goals and pull away in the final moments.

The Harford defense and goalie Jacob Laubner played solid in defeat, as Laubner made a career-high 18 saves. Cooke led the Harford attack with four goals and one assist wehile Mike DiNatalie added three goals and one helper. Lorenzo DiPasquale and Tristan Pace pulled in six and five groundballs, respectively.

The Fighting Owls travel to Anne Arundel on March 30.