Lions Fall at Catawba

SALISBURY, N.C. – The Lions lacrosse team dropped a 14-5 decision to league rival Catawba on Saturday, March 18. The Lions fell to 2-4 overall and 0-3 within the league, while Catawba improved to 5-4 overall and 2-1 in the conference.

Five players tallied a goal each for the Lions while Josh Bryers and Mike McKee collected five and three groundballs, respectively. Kyle Dozzi and Nathan Stewart added two caused turnovers apiece. Liam Lynch led the Indians with a game-high five goals, while Cole Fanzo chipped in three scores.

Catawba held a 42-32 advantage on shots as well as a slim 31-30 mark on groundballs. Mars Hill turned the ball over 16 times while forcing 15 miscues by the Indians. The Lions were 15-of-22 from the center "X".

Stewart put the Lions up early with a goal in the second minute of action, but Catawba answered back with two straight goals to take its first lead at the 7:33 mark of the opening period. Alex Lipsky added an unassisted goal 19 seconds later to even the match at 2-all.

The next 30 minutes of action belonged entirely to the Indians as they reeled off 10 unanswered goals to take a commanding 12-2 lead heading into the fourth period. Tremaine Hill put an end to the run with a goal 18 seconds into the fourth, but from that point forward the two teams traded goals and Catawba walked away with the 14-5 decision.

Ryan Kearney (2-4) played 45 minutes in goal and collected four saves, while backup Colton Smith played 15 minutes and tallied the same amount of saves. Ryan Applegate (5-4) picked up the win for the Indians, finishing with 13 saves in 45 minutes of playing time.

The Lions will return to action on Sunday, March 26 as they play host to the Bears of Lenior-Rhyne University. Gametime is set for 2 p.m.