GREENVILLE, S.C. — Behind midfielder John Michael Coon’s first-half hat-trick, the top-seeded St. Thomas men’s club lacrosse team waltzed into the national quarterfinals of the MCLA DII National Tournament after its 11-3 victory over DePaul Monday morning.

St. Thomas will face the winner of the No. 8-seed Sam Houston St. (Texas) and No. 9 U.S. Coast Guard (Conn.) contest, Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. The Tommies are looking for their fourth national title in the last five seasons.

The undefeated Tommies started sluggishly but began to find their groove late in the first quarter. St. Thomas led 2-0 after one period and 5-0 at the half, spurred on by Coon’s three first-half goals.

The second half provided more of the same for St. Thomas, jumping out to the an 8-0 lead. DePaul didn’t score its first goal until midway through the third period. The Tommies would add three more to their total and go onto win 11-3.

2013 UMLL Rookie of the Year attacker Dan Burke posted three points (one goal, two assists) in the victory. Brother, attacker David Burke had three points as well (two goals, one assist). Midfielders Matt Kleven and Joe Palermo tallied two goals while midfielder Sam Schreve posted one goal to round out the scoring.

St. Thomas outshot DePaul 52-18 in the contest.

Ross Schreck can be reached at schr8250@stthomas.edu.