The Virginia Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team (11-6, 5-5 ODAC) earned a thrilling 12-11 comeback victory over Shenandoah on Saturday afternoon in Winchester, Va. Trailing at halftime, the Marlins used a strong second half and a clutch late goal to secure the conference win.
Ethan Smith and
Ben Andrews led the offensive effort with three goals each, while
Keagan Hall and
Thomas Lewis IV added two apiece.
Noah McCarty and
Johnny Hollinshead each found the back of the net as well, with Hollinshead delivering the game-winning goal in the final minute.
Shenandoah struck first, but Virginia Wesleyan answered with goals from Hall and Lewis to take a 2-1 lead after the first quarter. The second quarter saw multiple lead changes, with the Marlins tying the game at 4-4 before Shenandoah closed the half on a late run to take a 6-4 advantage into halftime.
The Hornets extended their lead early in the third quarter, but Virginia Wesleyan responded with a four-goal period to stay within striking distance. Goals from Andrews, Smith, and Lewis helped the Marlins cut the deficit to 10-8 heading into the final quarter.
Virginia Wesleyan took control in the fourth, holding Shenandoah to just one goal. Smith opened the scoring in the period before Andrews tied the game at 10-10 on a man-up opportunity. After Shenandoah briefly regained the lead, Hall evened the score with 1:33 remaining.
With under 30 seconds to play, Hollinshead capitalized on a man-up chance, scoring off an assist from
Anthony Blackburn to give the Marlins a 12-11 lead. The defense held strong in the closing seconds to secure the comeback victory.
With the win, Virginia Wesleyan improves to 11-6 overall and 5-5 in ODAC play. Virginia Wesleyan returns to action in the ODAC Tournament Quarterfinals on Monday, April 27. Game time is to be announced.
