ANDERSON, S.C. – In front of an energetic home crowd at Spero Field, the Anderson University men's lacrosse team delivered a commanding 22-7 victory over South Atlantic Conference rival Mars Hill, improving to 10-3 overall and 8-1 in conference play.
"Another great team win and a great way to send our seniors off on senior day," said head coach Albert Mitchell. "We played fast from the start and the defense was as tough as they've been all year."
The Trojans erupted out of the gate with a relentless offensive display, notching nine goals in the opening quarter and another eight in the second to carry a 17-3 lead into halftime.
Attackman Cole Sparks led the charge with a game-high seven points, netting four goals and dishing out three assists. He was supported by Matthew Rodgers and Radyn Badraun, who tallied three goals apiece. Sparks was also pivotal in transition and extra-man situations, aiding the Trojans in converting two of five man-up opportunities.
Twelve different Trojans found the back of the net, highlighting the team's balanced offensive attack. Brayden Bushnoe (2 goals, 1 assist), Ryan Bitterman (2 goals), Nate Winpisinger (2 goals), and Aiden Dixon, who scored the game's opening goal and dominated the face-off X (11-of-14), also contributed significantly.
Anderson's defense, anchored by goalkeepers Adin Laughlin and Nate Pepe, held Mars Hill scoreless in the third quarter and limited them to just two goals in the opening half. Laughlin recorded seven saves in the first 30 minutes, earning the win between the pipes.
The Trojans controlled possession for much of the game, winning 22 of 33 face-offs and collecting 44 ground balls to Mars Hill's 29. Their aggressive ride and effective clears (29-of-30) ensured that Mars Hill struggled to maintain any rhythm offensively.
Prior to the contest, Mitchell and the team honored eight seniors for their contributions to the men's lacrosse team: Matt Morgenroth, Chase Robertson, Jack Trevino, Max Calabrese, PJ Fenchak, Nate Pepe, Christian Chilton and Trey Davis.
The Trojans return to action on Wednesday, April 23 in a pivotal conference match-up with Newberry to determine the final seedings heading into the South Atlantic Conference tournament.
