ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University men's lacrosse team picked up an impressive victory on Wednesday (Feb. 23) with a 17-16 win over North Greenville.
The Trojans entered Wednesday's contest with a 2-2 record, riding a two-game winning streak with wins over Young Harris and Barton. Faceoff specialist Cam Weeks was named the SAC Astroturf Men's Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week, and to the USILA D2 Team of the Week with teammate Beau Henson.
North Greenville entered Wednesday's contest with a record of 2-1. The Crusaders defeated Young Harris (12-3) and Coker (14-4), while losing to nationally ranked Lenoir-Rhyne (16-11). In the latest USILA national poll, NGU received three votes.
It was a low-scoring, defensive battle in the first period as Anderson was able to score the game's first goal five minutes into the action, a man-up score by Beau Henson, who finished the night with seven. He scored two more in the second period, with the halftime score favoring North Greenville 7-6.
The second half continued to be highly contested as both teams traded goals back and forth. Goalie Joey Heckel stepped up for the Trojans defensively, coming up with 21 saves to limit the NGU attack, as the game was tied 13-13 heading into the final 15 minutes of play.
Garrett Hawkins got the fourth quarter started for Anderson with a goal in the opening seconds. After an equalizing goal from North Greenville, Triston Schaffer and Beau Henson scored back to back goals to put the lead at 16-14 with six minutes to go.
North Greenville cut the deficit to one with a man-up goal with three and a half minutes remaining. Cam Weeks responded by winning the faceoff, picking up the ground ball and scoring his second goal of the night to fuel a 17-16 victory for Anderson.
"That was a great win for our team and lacrosse program as a whole," said coach Albert Mitchell. "North Greenville is a great team, and for us to come away with a win tonight was big."
Cam Weeks was once again dominant in the faceoff circle, winning 31 of his 35 attempts with 28 ground balls. Beau Henson led the team with seven goals, while Garrett Hawkins finished with four goals and three assists. Peyton Jefferson was stellar defensively causing four turnovers, along with goalie Joey Heckel who had 21 saves.
The Trojans will be back in action on Sunday (Feb. 27) as they play host to Embry-Riddle. Opening faceoff is set for 2:00 p.m., with video and live stats available at www.autrojans.com.
