TIGERVILLE, S.C. - The No.10 Anderson University men's lacrosse team came up short to non-conference opponent North Greenville (NGU) by a score of 10-5 on Saturday (April 1) afternoon.
After starting their season by winning nine of the first 10 games, Anderson is coming off just their second loss of the season to Newberry on Wednesday (Mar. 29). The previous weekend, the Trojans defeated Catawba while Hunter Klosterman and Garrett Hawkins were named the SAC Varsity Gems Players of the Week for their efforts in the win.
How it Happened
Both teams started off slow offensively, with NGU finding the back of the net first at the eight-minute mark. The Crusaders kept their momentum rolling, scoring two more in the first, all the while, keeping the Trojans scoreless heading into the second (3-0).
The second quarter proved to be another heavily defensive, yet scoreless quarter for Anderson. Even with a high-powered offense and five caused turnovers for the Trojans, the Crusaders put two more on the scoreboard with the help of freshman Aydan Sizemore and senior Thomas Cecere to make the score a 5-0 match heading into halftime.
Garrett Hawkins scored the opening goal for the Trojans, blasting one into the netting within the first minute of play. Even with that momentum, Anderson was having difficulties finding their way around goalie Joe Amichi, who finished his afternoon with 19 saves (.792). Logan Gaddis, after two more Crusader scores, ends the quarter with his first goal of the game, courtesy from a highlight reel assist from graduate student Beau Henson.This still left the Trojans in a scoring deficit heading into the fourth and final stretch (7-2).
Once again, Anderson was able to find the cage first, this time from Matthew Rodgers on his second shot of the day with Kaleb West chiming in with the assist. Three goals came in response from North Greenville, and not even a two piece from the Trojan's Ryley Zopfi and Brayden Bushnoe could put a dent in the Crusader's lead, as they pulled off the upset 10-5 at Pepsi Field.
The Trojans will be back in action next Saturday (April 8) against conference opponent No. 8 Wingate at Irwin Belk Stadium. The first face off is scheduled for noon, with video and live stats available at autrojans.com
In the Box
Brayden Bushnoe had a goal and an assist.
Garrett Hawkins, Ryley Zopfi, Logan Gaddis, and Matthew Rodgers each had a goal.
Beau Henson and Kaleb West each had an assist.
Tagrt Houghton led the team with three caused turnovers, with Rex Hardy and Ryan Bitterman each having one.
*written by Colin Calvert
