Le Moyne has endured virtually the toughest possible early-season schedule in Division II so far this season, battling Wingate, Mercyhurst and Mercy in three straight games. The defending national champions will be plenty battle-tested come May.

The Dolphins faced its largest adversity on Saturday in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. against No. 3 Mercy. Down as many as four goals in the first half, Le Moyne shut out the Mavericks in the second half en route to the 8-7 victory.

Carter Collins scored his second goal with 6:05 left, proving to be the eventual game-winner.

Mercy seized the momentum early on and looked poised for the upset. Jack Gibbons and Brady Kearnan each scored in a 3-0 first-quarter run to give the Mavericks a cushion, which they’d extend to 5-1 after a Dominic Scorcia goal with 43 seconds left in the quarter.

Le Moyne trailed by four goals in the second quarter, but Kevin Sheehan and Devin Andrews scored to cut the deficit to 7-4 before halftime. The Dolphins held the Mavericks to little offense in the third quarter, which allowed them to score three straight goals within a six-minute span to tie the score at 7-7.

Collins’ goal was the lone tally in the fourth quarter, giving Le Moyne its second consecutive one-goal win. Le Moyne goalie Frank Delia recorded 18 saves to lead the effort and keep Mercy at bay throughout the second half.