Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 8, Oglethorpe 4
Records: Lions 1-2, Stormy Petrels 0-4
Location: Atlanta, Georgia - Oglethorpe University

Atlanta, GA - The Tim Dunton Era at Piedmont College has seen its first win with the Lions lacrosse team grounding the Stormy Petrels of Oglethorpe University with an 8-4 decision in Atlanta on Wednesday afternoon.

Piedmont owned a 3-1 advantage after the first quarter after a key strike from veteran STEVE MIRAGLIA with just over a minute remaining in the period gave the Lions their two-goal lead.  For Miraglia, the goal was his second of the first quarter as he scored with 6:11 to go as well.  

The Lions struck first just 55 seconds into the game when DEVON PHILLIPS throttled away his fifth goal of the season on an assist from BRANSON MIKELL.  

Mikell would go on to score three goals himself on the afternoon putting away a shot in the 2nd quarter before adding two more to his totals in the 4th quarter which extended Piedmont's lead out of reach at 8-3 with 2:32 remaining.

Two of Oglethorpe's four scores in the game were unassisted as the Lions forced the Stormy Petrels out of rhythm on the attack holding OU to just two scores until 41 seconds remained in the 3rd quarter.  

Veteran DALE MORLEY made eight saves in the cage to help Piedmont hold off the in-state foe 8-4 for win #1 for new Head Coach Tim Dunton as the leader of the Green and Gold.

Turning Point
--A key goal by STEVE MIRAGLIA to end the 1st quarter helped give Piedmont a 2-goal cushion with just 1:09 remaining in the period setting the tone in the win.

Standout Performances
--BRANSON MIKELL continues to tear it up offensively with another 3-goal performance, his second hat-trick in the team's first three games of the season...Mikell now leads all Lions with eight goals on the year.
--DALE MORLEY gets his first win in the cage this season as the senior made eight saves to help preserve the win for Piedmont.
--Piedmont dominated the face-off winning 12 of 15 total in the game led by RILEY COCKS who was 9-of-11 on the day from the center.

Inside the Box Score
--No player from Oglethorpe was able to score multiple goals as the Lions' defense accounted for the Stormy Petrels on the attack well.
--Piedmont out-shot the Stormy Petrels 26-20 putting 15 of its 26 fires on target.
--Two of OU's four scores came in the final minute of the last two quarters.

News & Notes
--Piedmont owned a 3-0 record against Oglethorpe heading into today's contest having played each year from the 2012 to 2014 seasons.
--The Stormy Petrels are in their first season back after the program took a one-year hiatus in 2015.

Up Next
The Lions return home for a contest vs. Randolph College at Walker Athletic Complex on Saturday, February 20 with the opening face-off set for 1:00 pm.  Live stats and video coverage will be provided by the Mane Event Broadcasting Network for fans unable to make it to Piedmont for the contest.

How to Follow
To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, Snapchat: @PiedmontLions and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.