The Virginia Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team (5-1) earned an 18-10 victory over Nichols College (3-3) on Thursday afternoon in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Virginia Wesleyan was led offensively by
Johnny Hollinshead, who recorded a team-high four goals in the win.
Keagan Hall and
Ben Andrews each added three goals, while
Anthony Blackburn and
Zachary Dupill scored twice.
Ethan Smith also contributed two goals and three assists, while
Thomas Lewis IV and
Zach Seward each added a goal to round out the Marlins' scoring.
Nichols opened the scoring early in the first quarter, but Virginia Wesleyan quickly responded as Blackburn tied the game before Hollinshead and Andrews scored to give the Marlins the lead. Hall later added a goal off an assist from Hollinshead during the run. Nichols answered with a few goals to keep the game close, but late scores from Smith helped Virginia Wesleyan take a 6-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Marlins pulled away in the second quarter with a dominant scoring run. Dupill opened the period with a goal off an assist from Blackburn before adding another later in the quarter. Hall and Andrews each scored during the stretch, while Lewis also added a goal as Virginia Wesleyan netted seven unanswered goals to build a 13-6 lead heading into halftime.
Nichols attempted to rally in the third quarter, but Virginia Wesleyan answered with goals from Hollinshead and Blackburn to maintain control, and the Marlins carried a 16-9 advantage into the final quarter.
Virginia Wesleyan continued to control the game in the fourth quarter. Seward scored early in the period, and Hollinshead added his fourth goal of the afternoon later in the quarter to help secure the 18-10 victory.
Virginia Wesleyan will return to action on Saturday, March 14, when the Marlins host Marywood University at 3:30 p.m. in Virginia Beach.
