ANDERSON, S.C. - The No. 19 Anderson University men's lacrosse team came up short to conference opponent No.7 Lenoir Rhyne (L-R) by a score of 17-7 on Wednesday night (April 12)

After winning 10 of the first 11 games, Anderson was looking to avoid dropping their four straight contest, coming off the most recent loss to conference opponent Wingate University (April 8). The Trojans most recent victory came against Catawba College (March 25).

How it Happened

The first quarter began slow from an offensive perspective, with the first goal coming from the Bears at the 10 minute mark when All-American Toron Eccleston drew first blood. Another four goals followed in suit for Lenoir Rhyne, and a defensive masterclass kept the Trojans scoreless heading into the second period (5-0).

Eccleston and Evan Voss start the second period off hot, with back to back goals for the Bears. Halfway through the quarter, Anderson freshman Brayden Bushnoe put the Trojans on the board with a quick take to the back of the net. Two more strikes to the cage were the answer from Lenoir Rhyne, with Max Calabrese sealing off the half with a feed from Matthew Rodgers for his 15th goal of the season (9-2).

Coming out of the half, Anderson was able to find the net three more times, with goals from Chris Czulada, Radyn Badraun, and Ryan Bitterman. The Bears kept their offensive clinic running, clawing out five of their own to take the nine goal lead (14-5) heading into the final stretch.

The Trojans played damage control in the fourth period, adding to their total by two, but were unable to complete the comeback with Lenoir Rhyne capturing another conference win with a final score of 17-7.

Anderson will be back in action this Saturday (April 15) at Spero Financial, as they take on conference opponent Mars Hill for the final home game of the season. The first face off is scheduled for noon, with video and live stats available at autrojans.com

In the Box

Ryan Bitterman and Radyn Badraun each had two goals.

Brayden Bushnoe, Max Calabrese, and Chris Czulada each had a goal.

Matthew Rodgers and Rex Hardy each had an assist.

Peyton Jefferson caused three of Anderson's eight turnovers.

Hunter Klosterman and Joey Heckel combined for 17 saves

Peyton Jefferson (eight) and Matthew Rodgers (six) led the team in ground balls

*written by Colin Calvert