BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C.— The Montreat men's lacrosse team continued its four-game homestand on Thursday with an out-of-conference matchup versus the No. 9-ranked Lawrence Technological University Blue Devils. Utilizing a quick start, the visitors jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they took the showdown, 22-7. With the defeat, the Cavaliers fell to 0-7 overall.
 
Lawrence Tech (4-1) grabbed a 3-0 lead over the hosts just 2:34 into the opening quarter. Montreat managed to answer with a pair of tallies, though. Garrett Thomson set up Eli King's fifth goal of the campaign, while Gavin Mottram notched an assist on Landon LaGro's strike. The Blue Devils responded, however, pouring in five of the final six goals in the frame. D'Andrae McKenzie's goal helped keep the Cavs within shouting distance, but LTU ended the period with an 8-3 advantage on the scoreboard.
 
LaGro assisted Yasiel Sihombing during the second quarter before adding another tally of his own. Despite the Simpsonville, S.C. native's offensive production, Lawrence Tech still outscored Montreat in the frame. A 6-2 edge in goals scored expanded the away side's lead to 14-5 prior to halftime.
 
The visitors replicated their second period effort with another 6-2 advantage in the third quarter. Savion Whitney registered his first collegiate goal, and McKenzie and Thomson bagged their second goal and assist, respectively, of the night. LTU deposited four of its six tallies across the final 5:12 of the frame, and it maintained a 20-7 lead with merely 15 minutes remaining.
 
Ranked No. 9 in the NAIA Men's Lacrosse Coaches' Top 10 Poll, Lawrence Tech lived up to its billing. The Blue Devils proved responsible for all the offense in the last quarter, and when the final horn sounded, they left Pulliam Stadium with a 22-7 triumph.
 
LTU owned the edge in most statistical categories, including shots (50-27), shots on goal (33-15), ground balls (49-33), faceoff wins (21-10), successful clears (18-16) and extra-man goals (2-0).
 
LaGro and McKenzie led the Cavaliers with two goals apiece, while Thomson totaled a pair of helpers. Jaden Devane caused three turnovers, and Jay Chance secured five ground balls. Chance also made 11 saves in the defeat.
 
Montreat concludes its homestand on Saturday with an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) contest against No. 5 Reinhardt University. Opening faceoff is set for 1 p.m. at Pulliam Stadium in Black Mountain, N.C.