BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C.— The Montreat College men's lacrosse team had its program-best winning streak snapped on Saturday afternoon as the No. 2-ranked Madonna University Crusaders topped the Cavaliers at Pulliam Stadium, 29-10. With the defeat, the Cavs dropped to 3-2 on the year, while MU improved to 3-1 overall.
Montreat opened the nonconference matchup with promise when
Ethan Seamans scored the initial goal, assisted by
Garrett Thomson, just 65 seconds into the game. However, the Crusaders swiftly reversed the momentum, scoring seven straight goals, the first of which occurred just 51 seconds after the hosts' initial tally. Madonna notched its final strike of the quarter with 3:39 remaining, and it entered the second period with a 7-1 advantage.
The Crusaders ran their consecutive goals streak to 10 as they deposited three shots into the back of the net by the 12:11 mark. Montreat fought back with a series of goals in the second quarter.
Landon LaGro netted his sixth of the season thanks to an assist from
Justin Holland.
D'Andrae McKenzie also contributed with a pair of goals, one of which featured a pass off the stick of
Gavin Mottram. Holland and Mottram took their turns scoring in the frame as well, bringing the home side's total of second-quarter tallies to five.
Despite the offensive display, the visitors' attack proved dangerous, too. Madonna scored 15 times across the 15-minute stretch, expanding its edge to 22-6 by the time the intermission arrived.
Montreat found some momentum midway through the third quarter when LaGro, assisted by
Eli Graziosi, scored roughly six minutes in. Holland continued to provide an offensive spark as he added another strike, which LaGro registered an assist on, with 3:29 to go. Despite those efforts, Madonna maintained a steady scoring pace, ending the third frame with a 27-8 lead.
Holland assisted Mottram's man-up goal merely 22 seconds into the fourth quarter, but the Crusaders managed their response just 14 seconds after. Despite several turnovers, Montreat capitalized on another man-up opportunity late in the contest.
Owen Seamans fired a shot past the MU goalie for his first collegiate goal. Holland accumulated his third helper of the game on the strike. While the Cavaliers battled until the final whistle, No. 2 Madonna's lead proved to be too substantial to overcome. Following 60 minutes of action, the visitors left Pulliam Stadium with a 29-10 triumph.
Statistically, the Crusaders ended the matchup with more shots (62-42), shots on goal (43-29), saves (19-14), ground balls (71-37), faceoffs (33-9) and extra man goals (3-2). The Cavs committed fewer turnovers (32-26) and recorded more clears (24-20).
LaGro contributed significantly with two goals and an assist, finding the target on three of his six shots. Mottram also added to the scoreline with two goals and an assist, placing all three of his tries on frame. McKenzie tallied two goals, hitting the target on five of seven attempts. Holland was a key playmaker, posting two goals and three assists, all while leading the squad with seven shots on goal from 11 attempts.
Jay Chance tallied 14 saves across 55:08 in net, while
Joshua Kalec saw his first collegiate action during the final 4:52.
The Montreat College men's lacrosse team remains home on Tuesday for a nonconference clash against the University of Michigan-Dearborn Wolverines. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Pulliam Stadium in Black Mountain, N.C.
