The Virginia Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team dropped a tough 17-16 contest to Chatham University on Saturday afternoon at home in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Wesleyan was led offensively by Keagan Hall, who delivered an eight-goal performance to pace the Marlins. Cooper Seidner added three goals, while Ethan Smith, Thomas Lewis IV, Ben Andrews, Zach Seward, and Zachary Dupill each found the back of the net in the balanced scoring effort.
Chatham opened the game with four straight goals before the Marlins responded late in the first quarter. Goals from Seidner and Andrews cut the deficit to 4-2 heading into the second period.
The second quarter featured a back-and-forth battle, as Virginia Wesleyan continued to answer. Hall scored twice in the period, and Dupill added another as the Marlins stayed within one possession for much of the quarter, trailing 8-6 at halftime.
Virginia Wesleyan kept the pressure on in the third. Hall recorded three goals in the frame, while Seward and Lewis also added scores to keep the Marlins within striking distance at 14-11 entering the fourth quarter.
The Marlins started out strong coming into the final quarter. A four goal run midway through the quarter trimmed the deficit to 15-14, and late goals from Hall brought Virginia Wesleyan within one in the closing minute. Despite the comeback effort, the Marlins were unable to find the equalizer as time expired.
Virginia Wesleyan moves to 2-1 on the season following the narrow setback.
Virginia Wesleyan (2-1) will return to action on Tuesday, March 3, traveling to face Guilford College in an ODAC matchup. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in Greensboro, North Carolina.
