AURORA, Ill. – The Elmhurst University men's lacrosse team suffered its first loss of the season, 10-8, to Aurora University at Spartan Athletic Park.

The Bluejays raced out to a 3-0 lead with all three goals coming from Eli Spence, but the Spartans responded with the final two goals of the opening quarter to shrink the Elmhurst lead to just one goal.

Tyler Foerstel netted back-to-back goals in 10 seconds for Aurora, allowing the Spartans to take their first lead of the game. Elmhurst's Ethan Stepanek responded less than a minute later with a goal of his own to make the score 4-4.

Aurora (3-2) added in two more goals from Owen Spencer and Brody Macdonald, while Pete Grebe scored one more goal for the Bluejays before the half. The Spartans led Elmhurst 6-5 at the break.

Carson Leader scored two consecutive goals to start the third quarter, which extended the Spartan lead to 8-5. Grebe found the back of the net for his second goal of the night to get Elmhurst within two, but the Spartans came back strong scoring two more goals to take a 10-6 lead heading into the final period.

Elmhurst (5-1) held Aurora scoreless in the fourth quarter and added in two goals, one from Spence and the other from Stepanek, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Spartans.

Aurora was led by Leader with four goals and one assist. Macdonald contributed one goals and three assists, while Ben Strub chipped in one goal and two assists for the Spartans. Andy Trenary picked up a team-high four groundballs, while Luke Hill won 9-of-20 faceoffs in the win.

Spence led the way for Elmhurst with four goals and two assists. Grebe and Stepanek each added in a pair of goals for the Bluejays, while Tony Vazquez grabbed eight groundballs and won 12-of-21 faceoffs in the loss.

Phillip Gianelle earned the win in goal for Aurora with 24 saves, while Noah Mickelson collected 16 saves for the Bluejays.

Elmhurst looks to bounce back against Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas on Wednesday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m.