FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist men's lacrosse team opened the 2026 season Saturday afternoon at Monarch Stadium, battling Berry College in a back-and-forth non-conference contest before the Vikings pulled away late for a 12–9 victory in the season opener.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Berry def. Methodist, 12–9
Records: Methodist 0-1, Berry 1-0
Location: Monarch Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Berry struck first with three unanswered goals in the opening quarter, capitalizing on transition opportunities and building a 3–0 advantage despite strong early saves from Methodist goalkeeper Cole Rigsbee. The Monarchs generated chances late in the period, hitting the post twice, but were unable to convert before the horn.
- Methodist found its footing early in the second quarter. Jay Legg opened the Monarch scoring with an unassisted goal, and J.R. Newman followed with a man-up finish to trim the deficit to one. Berry answered with two goals of its own, but Legg scored again midway through the quarter to keep Methodist within striking distance at halftime, 5–3.
- The third quarter featured one of the most electric stretches of the afternoon. After Berry extended its lead, Methodist responded with a flurry of goals from Logan Garrett, Legg, RJ Breeden, and Josh Crabtree, tying the contest at 7–7 midway through the period. Nick Spinola added a late goal to even the score again at 8–8 heading into the final quarter, completing a five-goal Monarch surge.
- Berry regained control early in the fourth quarter, scoring four of the next five goals to create separation. J.R. Newman tallied his second goal of the game late to pull Methodist within two, but the Vikings closed out the contest to secure the road win.
FAST FACTS
- Legg led Methodist with a team-high three goals and one assist, while Newman added two goals and an assist.
- Spinola, Garrett, Crabtree, and Breeden each found the back of the net as the Monarchs had nine different goal scorers.
- Rigsbee finished with 13 saves in goal, while Nick Ratnesar won 10 of his 20 faceoffs in both of their collegiate debuts.
UP NEXT
Methodist is on the road for its next three games, starting on Wednesday, February 11, as the Monarchs travel to Guilford College for a 7 PM start time.
