NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — The Jordan Levine era officially is underway with the LIU men's lacrosse team.

The Sharks made their season debut under their first-year coach on Saturday, falling to host Merrimack, 15-9.

Brad Beck produced his first career hat trick and James Butler, Jake Gillis and Sean Boll had two goals apiece in the defeat.

Merrimack (3-0), already with three games under its belt, never trailed.

Marquette transfer Sean Richard and Sean Gillman split the goalkeeping duties for LIU.

Freshman Shaun Hill, an Oakdale native, won 9 of 15 faceoffs.

LIU next hosts Lindenwood next Saturday at 1 p.m. in the home opener at Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium.