Second Half Surge by SCAD takes Down Eagles in Top 10 Matchup

Savannah, GA - Reinhardt Men's Lacrosse carried an early lead into the middle stages of Saturday's matchup, but SCAD Savannah used a decisive fourth-quarter surge to pull away for a 12-9 win in Hardeeville, S.C. SCAD outscored the Eagles 4-3 in the final quarter, turning a one-goal game into a three-goal result before a late Reinhardt score closed the margin.

The Eagles started well and led 3-2 after the first quarter. Luke Greer opened the scoring at 14:01, Reid McDowell added a man-up goal at 7:27 off an assist from Bennett Morrison, and Benjamin Shackelford scored unassisted at 4:39 to give Reinhardt a 3-1 edge. Shackelford struck again at 10:11 of the second quarter for a 4-2 lead, and Joey Amatulli restored a one-goal advantage at 3:55, but SCAD answered with a man-up goal from Travis Cheristin with 13 seconds left in the half to send the teams into the break tied 5-5.

SCAD seized control in the third quarter behind Mason Hickman, who scored at 13:26, 10:14 and 1:29 as the home side built an 8-6 lead. Reinhardt's only goal of the quarter came from Shackelford at 6:49, keeping the Eagles within striking distance entering the fourth. Shackelford finished with four goals to pace Reinhardt, while Amatulli added two goals and Greer scored twice.

The turning point came in the fourth quarter. Ethan Cline scored at 13:26 off a Hickman assist to make it 9-6, and although Amatulli and Shackelford helped Reinhardt trim the deficit to 9-8 with 6:56 left, SCAD answered with three straight goals in less than four minutes. Cline scored unassisted at 4:34, Travis Cheristin followed at 3:53, and Jonathan O'Bryant Graves finished the run at 1:29 for a 12-8 lead. Greer's goal with 1:07 remaining accounted for the final margin.

Reinhardt found one advantage at the faceoff stripe, winning 17 of 23 draws, and also stayed close in ground balls, trailing only 25-23. The Eagles finished with 32 shots and 17 shots on goal, but SCAD was more efficient with its chances and got an eight-save performance from goalkeeper Keaton Melcher. Reinhardt goalkeeper Michael Scoleri made six saves. SCAD was led by Hickman's four goals and one assist, while Graves added three goals and an assist in front of an announced attendance of 211.

This is the first loss of the season for the #4 NAIA-ranked Eagles, bringing their record to 4-1 overall and 3-1 in AAC play.  The team will have the week to refocus as they prepare for their next contest on Saturday, April 4th at Montreat College.