UC lacrosse teams begin inaugural seasons with wins

The University of the Cumberlands UC Men’s Lacrosse team opened up their inaugural season on the road in Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Friday, February 19, at Montreat College in Montreat, NC.

With the Patriots anxiously awaiting to hit the field for the first time in program history, emotions would run high throughout the game as UC would band together for a very convincing first win in program history, defeating Montreat by a final score of 22-8.

UC would have seven different players find the back of the net in the contest, with six dishing out assists. The Patriots would come out quickly showing they were ready for the season, holding the Cavaliers scoreless in the first period of play to take a 6-0 lead.

UC increased the lead in the next 15 minutes of play, taking a 13-4 lead into halftime. The Cavaliers would finally outscore UC in the 3rd period 4-2, but that wouldn’t cut into the lead enough as UC held Montreat scoreless again in the final period of play to take the 22-8 victory.

BY THE NUMBERS
Phil Procida (Cumming, GA) would lead the Patriots in scoring with 7 goals and 2 assists
Ryan Middleton (Duluth, GA) added 5 goals and lead the team on the day in assists with 4
Andrew Lanier (West Chester, OH) contributed another 4 goals and an assist
Josh Fusion (Crestwood, KY) chipped in 3 goals and an assist
Goalie Dakota Lambing (West Chester, OH) had 8 saves, earning the win

After the game, Head Coach Pete Campbell said, “The boys played hard and they stuck together for four quarters. I am very proud of them and the effort they gave. There is no better way to start a program than we did today.”

The men’s lacrosse team followed up their win with an 11-8 loss to St. Andrews College on Saturday. They are scheduled to be in action again Saturday, February 27 at Reinhardt University in Waleska, GA.

The UC Women’s Lacrosse team would also open up their inaugural season on Friday, February 19 at the UC Lacrosse Complex in Williamsburg, KY against the University of Pikeville.

With over 200 people in attendance for the first ever women’s game in program history, the Patriot ladies were sure to not disappoint their fans. The Patriots came out hot and never looked back, garnering an 11-6 win over the Bears for the first win in program history.

UC’s Mernyse Bruce (Dacula, GA) would make it memorable for the Patriots, scoring the first goal just over one minute into the game to give UC the 1-0 lead. UPike would score two to take a short lead, but Shea West (Hamilton, OH) would get her day started with a tying goal to make it 2-2, which is where UC would get the offensive motor going.

The Patriots would add 6 more goals while holding UPike scoreless for the remainder of the half, taking an 8-2 lead into halftime. UPike would outscore UC in the 2nd half 4-3, but it wouldn’t be enough as UC would earn the 11-6 victory.

BY THE NUMBERS
Shea West would lead the Patriots in scoring with 5 goals. Mernyse Bruce also contributed 4 goals to the Patriots’ win.
Becan Hennighan (Saint Cloud, FL) and Briana Kucis (Manahawkin, NJ) would also both score 1 goal
Goalkeeper Emily Cabrera (Pembroke Pines, FL) would have 12 saves, bringing her individual record to 1-0.

Head Coach Kelly Buikus commented, “This is a great way to start our inaugural season. The girls played hard, but we still have a lot of work to do. We’re going into our second game on Sunday with a lot of confidence and are aware we will be playing the defending NWLL Champions, but we’re excited and ready to get better.”

The Patriot ladies fell 22-1 in Sunday’s home contest against SCAD Savannah. They will be back at home again this Saturday against UVA-Wise. Start time is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

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Stories courtesy of UC Multimedia/Athletic Services

Photo courtesy of Bill Turner, UC staff photographer