FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  Methodist's men's lacrosse team beat the visiting Cougars of Averett University by a score of 13-8 on Saturday evening in a USA South conference game at Monarch Stadium.

THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Methodist def. Averett, 13-8
Records: Methodist 7-6 (2-3 USA So.); Averett 3-9 (0-6)
Location: Monarch Stadium; Fayetteville, N.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Jake Bandler opened the game with an early first possession goal for the Monarchs after an initial face-off win from Tyler Bennett. The middle of the first quarter witnessed a lull in scoring from both teams but Jesse Leyble dominated in the final two minutes, scoring two goals, to give Methodist a 3-1 advantage.
• The Monarchs continuously pushed the lead through the second and third quarters, advancing to their largest lead 9-4 before the end of the third. Hunter Vaughan contributed to two goals in the third quarter to give Methodist their eighth and ninth goals.
• Averett attempted to close the gap in the fourth quarter, going on a three-goal run to make it 9-7. The Monarchs took no chances at playing around, taking the game in their hands to post four more goals to the Cougars one, securing the 13-8 win.

NOTES AND NUMBERS

• Hunter Vaughan posted a new career-high five goals, along with two assists and three ground balls.
• Jesse Leyble finished the game with three goals.
• Tyler Bennett went five-for-seven in the face-off circle, as J.R. Newman went eight-for-eighteen.
• Methodist tallied 37 ground balls to Averett's 19 for the game.
• Cameron Brink finished the game with eight saves in the 60 minutes of action.

NEXT UP
Methodist has a week off until their next USA South conference game at Monarch Stadium when they welcome Southern Virginia University for a 12 p.m. game.