Lions Shutout Lees-McRae in Opener

MARS HILL, N.C.-- The Mars Hill lacrosse team controlled the game from start-to-finish in a 19-0 victory over Lees-McRae in the Lions' season-opener Saturday afternoon at Meares Stadium.

Ten different Lions scored in the victory. Freshman Will Scott led MHC with three goals in a strong debut. Kile Garrett notched a team-high five points, picking up two goals and assisting on three others. Jamie Raezer, Anthony Malcolm, Dan Applebaum, Ryan Sage and Garrett Hargis each scored two goals, while A.J. Seip picked up a team-high six ground balls. Patrick McMahon made three saves to earn the victory in net. Mars Hill opens the season 1-0, while Lees-McCrae falls to 0-2.

Five Lions scored in the first quarter as Mars Hill built a 5-0 lead. Zach Tomkinson got MHC on the board just 48 seconds into the contest and added an assist later in the period. Raezer, Jimmy McBride, Scott and Hargis added goals in the period. The Lions outshot the Bobcats 13-2 in the opening frame.

Mars Hill exploded for nine goals in the second quarter to build a 14-0 lead. The Lions held a 19-2 advantage in shots on goal in the period. Garrett scored both his goals and assisted on another in the period. Frankie Riffe added his lone tally on the afternoon during the second stanza.

From then on out, the Lions controlled the clock, adding five goals over the final two periods. Jesse Mimken and Jack Grinewich each earned some action in goal and made two saves apiece. The Lions outshot the Bobcats 22-6 in the second half.

Mars Hill will face Roberts Wesleyan in a neutral contest at Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. next Sunday, Feb. 17 at 3:00 p.m.