BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The Montreat College men's lacrosse team played its second consecutive ranked matchup on Saturday afternoon, this time taking on the No. 9-ranked Webber International University Warriors. The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) affair ended with the Cavaliers coming out on top, 14-10, claiming not only a huge win, but also the first top-10 victory in program history. As a result, the Cavs now sit with a 4-7 (1-4 AAC) record, while the Warriors hold an 8-4 (4-2 AAC) record on the season.
 
The first quarter began with a faceoff win for Webber, which helped lead to an early goal. The Warriors continued to add on in the period, securing a 2-0 lead midway through the frame. Montreat didn't wait long to respond, though. Landon LaGro found the back of the net twice, evening up the score at 2-2 before the first quarter came to a close. His initial tally was unassisted, why Eli Graziosi picked up a helper on the tying strike.
 
D'Andrae McKenzie struck first in the second quarter with his 20^th goal of the campaign. Justin Holland then extended the Cavaliers' lead with another goal at the 11:28 mark, making it a 4-2 scoreline. However, the Warriors responded with a goal of their own just 64 seconds later, reducing the deficit down to one. LaGro, assisted by McKenzie, achieved his hat trick and helped Montreat regain its two-goal cushion at the midpoint of the period. Despite the Cavs' efforts, Webber International tied the game at 5-5 with back-to-back strikes. The opening half ended with both teams deadlocked at five, setting the stage for a competitive remainder of the contest.
 
Offense was harder to come by for either team in the third quarter, as both defenses made it difficult to score. Graziosi came through with both of the Cavs' goals in the frame, the first of which was assisted by Owen Seamans. After WIU leveled the score again, LaGro assisted Graziosi's second tally, ensuring the hosts entered the final period with a 7-6 edge.
 
What started to look like another low-scoring quarter quickly turned into an offensive surge from the Cavaliers, starting with McKenzie's man-up goal, assisted by Nickolas Hargett, at the 6:52 mark. The momentum continued as Gavin Mottram and LaGro each contributed to the scoring with additional shots, extending the lead to 10-6. Despite late efforts from the Warriors, including back-to-back tallies, Montreat maintained control. A pair of man-down strikes from Holland and LaGro capped off a seven-goal quarter for the home side, sealing the program's historic 14-10 ranked win in the process.
 
The Cavs held statistical advantages in shots (41-37), shots on goal (25-23), saves (13-11), clears (28-18) and turnovers (24-16).
 
LaGro led all players with a career-high six goals, and he also tacked on two assists. McKenzie added a hat trick and an assist. Graziosi contributed with two goals and a helper, while Holland found the net twice with five shots on goal. Jay Chance guarded the net with 13 saves and a .565 save percentage for his fourth win of the year.
 
Looking ahead, Montreat faces No. 4 Reinhardt University on Saturday, April 4, at Pulliam Stadium in Black Mountain, N.C. Opening faceoff is set for 1 p.m.