WINGATE, N.C. – The No.18 Anderson University men's lacrosse team came up short to the No.5 Wingate Bulldogs on a rainy Saturday (Apr. 8) afternoon by a score of 14-9.
The Trojans entered Saturday's contest on a two-game losing streak with losses to Newberry (17-12) and North Greenville (10-5). Prior to that, Anderson was riding a five-game winning streak including a win over nationally ranked Limestone in OT (15-14).
Wingate entered the game well-rested after a 10-day layoff between matches. The Bulldogs had won eight games in a row, including an impressive 16-10 victory on the road at No.4 Lenoir-Rhyne. Willie Grieco and Johnny Caponi were named the SAC Varsity Gems Men's Lacrosse Offensive and Specialist Players of the Week for their efforts in the victory.
How it Happened
The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 3-1 lead after the first 15 minutes of play, capitalizing on a man-up opportunity for their second score. In the second quarter, the Trojans fought back on two scores from Logan Gaddis, who finished the afternoon with a hat trick. Freshmen Radyn Badraun, Matthew Rodgers, and Ryan Bitterman each scored as well as the Trojans went into halftime with an 8-6 deficit.
Brayden Bushnoe opened the third period with a goal to get the Trojans to within one score. The Bulldogs answered with three consecutive goals to reclaim control of the game, and a 12-9 lead going into the final stretch.
Jaxon Grant and Willie Grieco each scored early in the fourth, as those goals proved to be the only offense in the period, as both defenses stepped up to keep the final score at 14-9 after 60 minutes of action.
Inside the Box Score
Logan Gaddis led the offense with three goals, while Radyn Badraun scored twice.
Peyton Jefferson caused five turnovers while picking up five ground balls. Jefferson won four of his 12 faceoff attempts.
Rex Hardy caused two turnovers, with Mason Gore, Radyn Badraun, Keaton Mathews, and Joey Heckel each causing one turnover.
Hunter Klosterman picked up nine saves in 49 minutes, while Joey Heckel had two in 11 minutes.
Next Up
The Trojans will be back in action on Wednesday (Apr. 12) as they play host to No.6 Lenoir-Rhyne. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at Spero Financial Field, with video and live stats available at autrojans.com.
