ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings men's lacrosse team will play host to the Carthage Firebirds on Saturday, April 27 in a critical CCIW showdown.

Augie enters the matchup with a 4-9 overall record and 1-3 mark in the CCIW, recently falling on the road to North Central by a score of 30-10. Brady Holtz led the team with five goals, while Elijah Graesser added two goals and two assists. Trevor Herman finished as the team's leader in ground balls in five and Gus Magnusson ended his night in goal with 22 saves. 

Carthage currently sits with a 7-8 overall record and a 1-3 mark in conference play. The Firebirds were recently defeated by North Central at home by a score of 16-12. Carthage held a three-goal lead at the break and remained out in front by two heading into the fourth, but the Cardinals out-scored the Firebirds 7-1 in the final frame to steal the victory. Carthage is led this season by Alec Gern and George Burchfield, each tallying 37 goals this season. The Firebirds are 3-3 on the road this season, with their last game away from home resulting in a 21-2 triumph over Carroll on April 17.

Saturday will be the 15th all-time meeting between the two programs, with Carthage owning a 12-2 record in the series. The Firebirds won last season in Kenosha by a score of 23-6. Jake Moore and Jack Connolly each scored twice for the Vikings, while Carson Ghys contributed four assists.

The winner of Saturday's game will clinch a spot in the upcoming CCIW Tournament. Start time is scheduled for noon from Thorson-Lucken Field.