The Virginia Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team defeated Southern Virginia University, 19-12, in a high-scoring contest.
The Marlins were led offensively by
Thomas Lewis IV, who recorded six goals, including two man-down scores.
Ben Andrews added three goals and an assist, while
Zachary Dupill finished with two goals.
Southern Virginia opened the scoring with two early goals in the first quarter to take a 2-0 lead. Virginia Wesleyan responded with five of the final six goals in the period. Goals from Andrews,
Tyler Drane, and Dupill sparked the run before Lewis scored with under a minute remaining. Dupill added another goal in the final seconds to give the Marlins a 5-3 lead after one.
In the second quarter, Southern cut into the deficit, but Virginia Wesleyan answered each time.
Ethan Smith extended the lead off an assist from Andrews, and Lewis continued his strong first half with another goal. After Southern tied the game at 6-6, the Marlins closed the half on a 4-0 run, including goals from Andrews, Lewis,
Miles Fuehler, and a late strike from Lewis to take a 10-6 advantage into halftime.
Virginia Wesleyan maintained control in the third quarter, outscoring Southern 5-2. Lewis added two more goals in the frame, and the Marlins also received scores from
Jack Meehan, Andrews, and another man-down goal late in the quarter to build a 15-8 lead heading into the fourth.
Southern opened the fourth with back-to-back goals, but Virginia Wesleyan responded with a man-up goal and continued to add to its advantage. Smith,
Liam Murphy, and
Reef Krug each found the back of the net as the Marlins extended the lead. Despite late goals from Southern, Virginia Wesleyan secured the 19-12 victory.
