March 15, 2025

Lions upset undefeated No. 20 Catawba

Shane Hecht ties career-high with 20 saves while Cole Ross and Josh McCallion each net hat-tricks.

Catawba

6-1, 2-1 SAC

Mars Hill

6-3, 2-1 SAC

Final

Catawba (6-1, 2-1 SAC)

Mars Hill (6-3, 2-1 SAC)

MARS HILL, N.C - The Mars Hill men's lacrosse team (6-3, 2-1 SAC) upset No. 20 Catawba (6-1, 2-1 SAC) by a score of 14-11 Saturday afternoon inside Meares Stadium.

The Lions were led by senior goalkeeper Shane Hecht, who saved 20 of Catawba's 31 shots. His 20 saves tied a career-high.

On the offensive side, the Lions found success from multiple contributors. Josh McCallion was a standout, scoring a hat-trick and dishing out an assist, including a key goal to give Mars Hill a 12-10 lead in the fourth quarter.

Cole Ross also played a major role, finishing with three goals, including a late insurance goal in the final minutes.

Austin Stroud contributed heavily with two goals and an assist, helping Mars Hill build an early 7-1 lead late in the first half. Sam Arendt was also instrumental in setting up goals, collecting two assists and scoring once. Their combined efforts allowed Mars Hill to maintain a strong offensive presence throughout the game.

Defensively, Mars Hill held their ground with timely stops and effective clears, especially in the face of Catawba's strong shot volume, who attempted 59 shots on the afternoon. The Lions also capitalized on extra-man opportunities, scoring three times on five chances, which ultimately played a role in securing the win.

With their 14-11 victory, Mars Hill handed Catawba its first loss of the season.

The Lions now look ahead to their next game against Emory & Henry, which will be hosted at Meares Stadium on Wednesday at 7 p.m.