Lacrosse Falls at Coker

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Lions' lacrosse team lost their South Atlantic Conference opener at Coker, 12-11 Saturday afternoon at Byerly Park. Mars Hill fell to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in the SAC. The Cobras improved to 1-2 on the season and 1-1 in the league.

Ryan Sage led MHU with a game and season high five goals. Jimmy McBride recorded three goals and one assist while Anthony Malcom supplied his teammates with a game high three assists. Jack Grinewich played the entire game in the net for the Lions and made eight saves.

Coker scored three goals in the final three minutes of play to obtain the win. Josh Smith scored the game winner with just four ticks left in regulation on an unassisted goal. Smith led the Cobras with four goals followed by Josh Wassum with two goals and the same number of assists. Mike Martiello added two scores and one assist. Tim Ryan played all 60 minutes in goal for Coker and made nine saves.

Coker edged the Lions in shots, 29-27. MHU took 15-26 face-offs and won the ground ball battle, 32-31. Mars Hill was 1-4 on extra-man opportunities while the Cobras were 2-7.

The game was closely played throughout. After a scoreless first quarter, the teams traded four goals apiece in the second stanza. Each squad notched three goals each in the third quarter before the Cobras edged the Lions 5-4 in the fourth frame, including scoring the final three goals of the contest, to make the final tally 12-11 in favor of the hosts.

Mars Hill will play at SAC rival Catawba on Sunday, March 1. Game time is slated for 2 p.m.