DANVILLE, Va. Methodist men's lacrosse controlled from start to finish against Averett University, defeating the host Cougars, 12-6, Saturday afternoon in USA South Athletic Conference action.
The Monarchs had a 7-2 lead at halftime after scoring five unanswered goals within the opening two quarters.
The Methodist offense registered a season-high 54 shots, resulting in a field day for
Cade Crews (five goals and an assist) and
AJ Mejia (two goals and four assists). Alternately, the Methodist defense, led by
Andrew Mayefskie and his season-high 11 ground balls were on their A-game, with 18 caused turnovers.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Methodist def. Averett, 12-6
Records: Methodist 7-5 (2-2 USA South), Averett 1-9 (0-4)
Location: Danville, Va.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Three goals from Crews and two from Mejia helped establish the early 6-1 advantage over the Cougars late in the second quarter.
- In the first half, the Monarchs outshot Averett, 28 to 12 and there was a 16 to five difference for shots on goal. The Cougars also committed 14 turnovers through the first two quarters, compared to just six turnovers from Methodist.
- Two Averett goals cut the deficit to 9-5 early in the fourth quarter but the duo of Crews and Mejia countered with two straight goals (Crews scoring and Mejia assisting) of their own to prevent any possibility of a late comeback.
STAT FACTS
- More than a few players logged season-highs in shots taken. Crews (15), Hunter Vaughan (11), Bryce Kephart (nine), and Jackson Bingham (six) all set new marks.
- Vaughan's two goals, Kephart's two assists, and Bingham's goal plus an assist makes up the other Monarchs with multiple points in the game.
- In addition to his six points, Mejia finished with seven ground balls and tied a team-high with three caused turnovers. Joining him with three caused turnovers were Marco Romero and Parke Kissner.
- Nick Lemieux won eight of his 14 faceoffs and Billy DeLarm won three of his five.
- Jacob Shriver kept the score from getting too lopsided with 15 saves.
UP NEXT
- The Monarchs are home Saturday against conference foe Greensboro College at 1 p.m.
- Averett is on the road against William Peace University for a conference matchup Sunday at 5 p.m.
