GREENSBORO, N.C. The fifth-seeded Methodist men's lacrosse team used a dominant third quarter to secure an 11–8 upset victory over fourth-seeded Greensboro College in the first round of the 2026 USA South Men's Lacrosse Tournament on Saturday afternoon at Pride Field.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Methodist def. Greensboro, 11–8
Records: Methodist 8–8, Greensboro 12–5
Location: Pride Field; Greensboro, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Greensboro struck quickly, scoring just 15 seconds into the contest to take an early 1–0 lead. The teams traded goals throughout the opening quarter, with Methodist seniors RJ Breeden and J.R. Newman finding the back of the net to tie the game at 2–2. However, the Pride scored in the closing seconds of the period to take a 3–2 edge.
- The Pride extended their lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Monarchs 2–1 to carry a 5–3 advantage into halftime.
- Methodist flipped the momentum in the third quarter, scoring four consecutive goals to take its first lead of the game, 7–5. Sophomore Logan Florio sparked the run, contributing to three of the four goals with one goal and two assists. After Greensboro cut the deficit to 7–6, Florio answered with another goal to push the Monarchs ahead 8–6 entering the final period.
- Early in the fourth quarter, Florio completed his hat trick to extend the lead to 9–6. Greensboro battled back with two goals to make it a one-goal game, but Methodist sealed the victory with late scores from freshman Thomas Oakes and Newman, securing the 11–8 win.
FAST FACTS
- Florio recorded a season-best performance with three goals and two assists.
- Newman and Oakes each scored two goals.
- Freshman goalie Cole Riggsbee made nine saves in the win.
UP NEXT
Methodist advances to the USA South semifinals on Thursday, April 30, where the Monarchs will travel to face top-seeded Pfeiffer University. Game time is to be announced.
