ANDERSON, S.C. -- Anderson's men's lacrosse team opened their home season under the lights on Saturday night, ultimately falling 9-11 in a rainy battle against upstate rivals, North Greenville. 

"Tough loss," said head coach Albert Mitchell. "We battled, but they made a heck of a run in the 4th. Credit to them." 

The Crusaders opened the scoring with back-to-back goals to start the first quarter. The Trojans then bounced back with goals from sophomore Matthew Rodgers (Carmel, Ind.) and graduate-transfer Tristan Kirkham (Langley, B.C.). The second quarter saw a goal from graduate-transfer PJ Fenchak (Lutherville Timonium, Md.) to level the game at 4 heading into halftime. 

AU took the lead in the third quarter as senior Kaleb West (Peoria, Ariz.) and senior Logan Gaddis (Norcross, Ga.) each found the back of the net, with assists from Kirkham and Matt Morgenroth (Dacula, Ga.) respectively. 

The fourth quarter opened with NGU tying the game at 6 before the Trojans added three to scoreboard with goals from Kirkham, Fenchak and Max Calabrese (Auburn, Ga.). The Crusaders then rallied, scoring five goals in seven minutes to outlast the Trojans, 11-9. 

Anderson looks to rebound next Saturday (Feb. 17) against Embry-Riddle. The Trojans host the Eagles at Spero Financial Field at noon.