HARDEEVILLE, S.C. — The Montreat College men's lacrosse team concluded its season with a 20-9 defeat to No. 4 SCAD Savannah in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup on Saturday afternoon. With the result, the Cavaliers finished the year at 6-10 (2-7 AAC), while SCAD improved to 14-3 (7-2 AAC).
Montreat opened the first quarter with early momentum as Garrett Thomson scored at the 13:20 mark to take a 1-0 lead. The hosts responded with two quick goals to move ahead, but the Cavs answered on a man-up opportunity when Justin Holland tied the game with just over nine minutes remaining in the period. The Bees then swung momentum with a scoring run to build a 5-2 advantage. Landon LaGro cut into the margin at the 5:58 mark, though SCAD maintained its pressure to take a 6-3 lead into the second quarter.
The Cavaliers faced a tough second frame as the hosts continued their offensive rhythm and extended the lead early. Montreat found a response late when Gavin Mottram scored at the 2:05 mark off a Holland assist. Jay Chance anchored the defense in goal with several key saves throughout the period, but SCAD Savannah still carried a 13-4 advantage into halftime.
In the third, Montreat showed resilience after SCAD opened with swift scores to widen the gap. Grayson Scott responded nearly six minutes in off a pass from Holland, followed by LaGro merely 38 seconds later to pull the Cavs closer. The Bees regained control with possession and an additional goal in the final 10 seconds, enabling the home side to enter the fourth up 18-6.
Montreat produced a late surge in the final quarter as Nickolas Hargett scored twice, first at the 9:57 mark off a LaGro assist and again five minutes later with support from David Wright. Holland added a goal during the attempted rally as well. SCAD scored twice to maintain its comfortable edge, though, and despite the visitors' late push, the Bees secured a 20-9 win.
SCAD Savannah held statistical advantages in shots (61-27), shots on goal (43-14), turnovers (25-19), ground balls (47-30) and faceoffs (24-9). Montreat led in clears (17-16) and saves (23-5).
LaGro aided the offensive effort with two goals and one assist on six shots. Hargett matched him with two goals, and he placed three of his four attempts on target. Holland contributed a pair of goals and assists. Mottram converted his lone shot for a score, and Scott added one tally. In net, Chance recorded a season-high 23 saves against 61 shots.
The Cavaliers officially close the regular season with six wins, tying the program record for victories in a single year (2018). Montreat now turns its attention toward preparations for the 2027 campaign.
