FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. After a closely contested first half, the Methodist men's lacrosse team fell to visiting Piedmont University, 18–5, in a USA South Conference matchup Saturday afternoon inside Monarch Stadium.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Piedmont def. Methodist, 18–5
Records: Methodist 4–5 (1–1 USA South), Piedmont 2–6 (2–1 USA South)
Location: Monarch Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist controlled the pace early in the opening quarter, outshooting Piedmont 8–5. However, the Lions capitalized on their chances, placing all five shots on goal with two finding the back of the net to take a 2–0 lead after the first period.
- The Monarchs got on the board early in the second quarter. Just 26 seconds into the frame, LJ Oby found Jay Legg cutting in front of the cage, where Legg secured the pass and finished to cut the deficit to 2–1. The score remained unchanged for much of the period before Piedmont struck twice in the final four minutes, carrying a 4–1 advantage into halftime.
- Coming out of the break, both teams traded goals during the opening four minutes of the third quarter. RJ Breeden and Legg scored for Methodist to keep the margin within three at 6–3. Piedmont then seized control of the contest, closing the period with four unanswered goals to extend its lead to 10–3 heading into the final quarter.
- The Lions continued their momentum in the fourth, outscoring Methodist 8–2 to pull away for the 18–5 victory. Breeden and Legg each added to their respective goal totals for the Monarchs during the final period.
FAST FACTS
- Legg led the Monarch offense with three goals, while Breeden added two scores. With his three point performance, Legg becomes the 14th Methodist player to reach this milestone.
- Junior Daniel Wright paced the defense with three caused turnovers.
- Freshman Nick Ratnesar went 10-for-21 at the faceoff X and collected a team-high seven ground balls.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns to action on Wednesday, March 18, traveling to face William Peace University in USA South play. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 6 PM.
