GREENSBORO, N.C.— Following a season-opening victory just two days ago, the Montreat men's lacrosse team went on the road to Greensboro, N.C. to play the Greensboro College Pride. After falling behind early, the Cavaliers couldn't keep up with the Pride's offense, resulting in a 20-11 defeat and a 1-1 record through two matchups.
Greensboro (1-0) used a quick start to jump on the Cavs in the first quarter as the home side registered the initial two goals of the game.
Connor Walsh and
Justin Holland scored within 10 seconds of each other to tie the score at two; however, the Pride recorded the ensuing five goals and six of seven to lead 9-3 through 15 minutes.
Three unanswered from the Pride built their advantage to 12-3 in the second, but Holland netted his second goal of the contest, Walsh tallied his hat trick and
Eli King finished off a shot with 12 seconds left in the period to keep the Cavaliers within single digits (14-6) at the break.
Through two quarters, Greensboro notched leads in shot attempts (31-14), shots on goal (21-12), forced turnovers (15-6) and ground balls (18-15). Both squads won 11 faceoffs.
For the rest of the matchup, the Cavs stuck with the Pride. GC established a double-digit lead (16-6) in the third, but King and Walsh ensured Montreat would go into the final frame down by nine (17-8). The Pride then took their largest edge of the day in the fourth at 20-8 thanks to three consecutive goals; however, the Cavaliers responded with three of their own as Walsh tallied a pair of strikes and King notched the other goal in the 20-11 defeat.
Greensboro narrowly outscored the Cavs (6-5) in the second half to finish with advantages in shots (50-44), shots on target (34-27) and ground balls (28-24). Montreat did win 18 of the 35 faceoffs on the day but went just 1-for-10 up an extra man.
Individually, Walsh led the team with six goals, while King netted three. Freshman
Josh Espinosa made 14 saves in net for the Cavaliers.
Men's lacrosse returns to Pulliam Stadium for its next contest, a matchup with Shorter University on Wednesday. Opening faceoff in Black Mountain, N.C. is scheduled for 4 p.m.
