MOUNT BERRY, Ga.  Methodist's men's lacrosse team pulled within one goal on a marker from Cy Horner late in the first quarter, but an ensuing 7-0 run by host Berry (Ga.) College wrested away any Monarch momentum in an eventual 14-5 non-conference victory by the Vikings.

THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Berry def. Methodist, 14-5
Records: Methodist 1-2; Berry 3-0
Location: William R. Bowdoin Field; Mount Berry, Ga.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Though the Vikings never trailed in the game, play was even between the two squads through the first quarter. Hunter Vaughan tied the game 1-1 before Berry would knock in two goals and extend their lead. Aiden Foster dished it off to Cy Horner to keep the Monarchs within one at the six minute mark.
• The 7-0 Viking run began with a faceoff violation by Methodist to give Berry possession and the goal. In the next minute, the Vikings had added another tally to the board, and later entered the halftime break leading 9-2.
• The Monarch defense struggled to slow Berry's offense throughout the game but was able to limit the Vikings to just five goals in the second half. Offensively Methodist was able to find Vaughan around the net for the Monarchs' next three goals which eliminated Berry from another large run.

NOTES AND NUMBERS

• Vaughan added three goals in the third and fourth quarter for a game-high four goals on the day.
• Berry won the battle at the face-off dot, taking 18 of 24 chances, and overwhelmed the Monarchs in ground ball totals, using a 41-20 edge to maintain or change possession throughout the game.
• Matthew Liquori led the Monarchs with four saves while in net, followed by Cameron Brink and Jackson Bulkin each with three.

NEXT UP
Methodist heads to Laurenburg, North Carolina for its next game, a Tuesday, March 1 non-conference match at St. Andrews University.