BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The Montreat College men's lacrosse team faced off against the No. 7-ranked University of the Cumberlands Patriots on Saturday afternoon. In addition to the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup, the Cavaliers celebrated senior day as it was the team's last scheduled home game. After honoring a pair of seniors, the Cavs finished the day by falling to the Pats, 23-6. As a result of the contest, Montreat moved to 4-9 (1-6 AAC) on the year, while Cumberlands improved to 7-5 (4-3 AAC).
Jumping out to an early lead, the Patriots quickly put two goals on the board, going up 2-0 in under a minute. The Cavaliers were able to break through the visitors' defense when Gavin Mottram, assisted by Justin Holland, found the net, cutting the deficit to 3-1. However, UC continued its offensive pressure, adding several more goals to finish the quarter with a 7-1 edge over the Cavs.
Montreat broke the ice in the second frame, with Holland scoring at the 9:41 mark off a pass from Eli Graziosi. That goal was then followed by a faceoff win from Carson Bowser, indicating a brief shift in momentum. However, the Pats responded with three goals, extending their lead. Landon LaGro added to the Cavaliers' offense late in the period with a connection, but another tally prior to the intermission enabled the away side to enter halftime on top, 11-3.
For the second quarter in a row, the Cavs scored first. Nickolas Hargett opened the third with assistance from D'Andrae McKenzie, cutting the gap to 11-4. However, Cumberlands responded by holding Montreat scoreless for the remainder of the period, despite some quality on-target tries from LaGro and McKenzie. Meanwhile, the Pats went on an 8-0 run to close out the third with a 19-4 advantage.
In the final quarter of play, Garrett Thomson showcased resilience by finding the back of the net off a feed from LaGro. The Cavaliers continued their offensive effort as Holland added another tally with two minutes remaining. Despite those efforts, Cumberlands maintained their lead throughout the quarter, and the contest concluded with UC claiming a 23-6 victory.
On the day, the Patriots held the edge in shots (57-41), shots on goal (38-26), ground balls (54-42), faceoffs (19-12), extra-man strikes (3-0) and saves (20-15).
LaGro contributed significantly with one goal and one assist, taking nine shots and putting five on frame. Holland led the scoring effort with two goals and an assist, converting six of his seven shots on target. Bowser was pivotal in faceoffs, winning 12 out of 25 attempts. Rounding out the offense, Hargett, Mottram and Thomson all scored one goal apiece. Jay Chance performed admirably in goal, recording 15 saves.
In its next game, Montreat faces Columbia College on Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. in Columbia, S.C.
