Demorest, GA – The Piedmont College men's lacrosse team dropped a 17-14 home decision to Rhodes College (3-2) earlier this afternoon in the team's 2015 home opener at Walker Athletic Complex.

In the first period, Piedmont out-shot the visitors 14-8 and picked up 11 ground balls to just six for the Lynx.  Despite holding the run of play in the opening quarter, the two teams found themselves tied at four each after TAYLOR CARTER scored with 48 seconds remaining to even the board.

Piedmont went into the half leading by two goals after a back and forth first two periods. The deadlock was broken when Piedmont picked up two man-up goals after a Rhodes penalty with STEVE BLANCHARD netting the second with only 14 seconds remaining in the second period.

After the half time break Piedmont came out fast through SUMNER GANTZ who scored from the first face-off with a solo effort only 11 seconds in. Now with the Lions having a three goal lead, Rhodes went on to score four goals unanswered within three minutes reclaiming the advantage.

PATRICK AMMONS then got one back brining the score to even terms at 11-11 with 9:26 remaining in the third. However, in the final 25 minutes of play, the Lynx outscored Piedmont six to three thus giving them the 17-14 victory over the Lions.

PC held the shot advantage 29-18 in the first half, but saw the visitors come alive in the final two periods as Rhodes out-shot the hosts 33-12.

TAYLOR CARTER was back to scoring ways for the Lions today earning four goals to bring his season total to ten goals which ties him with SPENCER ORTIS who scored two today himself.

FRANK CARIELLO and Ortis both had a pair of assists to lead the Lions in that category for the contest. PATRICK AMMONS established a strong physical presence tallying six ground balls on the day while also netting two scores and an assist as well.

In the net for the Lions was MICK BAKER who made 13 saves of the 30 shots faced giving him a save percentage of .430.  The Lions did well on man-up opportunities scoring on four and keeping the Lynx to no man up goals on five opportunities in the contest.

The Lynx were led in attack by Ryan Fennelly who had four goals and two assists on the day, and in the net for Rhodes was Thomas Matthews who came up with 12 saves of the 25 shots faced.

Piedmont is now 1-3 on the season having fallen in its last three contests after a season-opening win vs. Millsaps. The Lions look to bounce back with their next home contest against the visiting Raiders of Milwaukee School of Engineering on March 4 at 4 pm.

Live coverage of the game here at Walker Athletic Complex on the Campus of Piedmont College will be provided by the Mane Event Broadcasting Network with both live video and stats available.