Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 4, Calvin 10
Records: Lions 1-7, Knights 4-2
Location: Demorest, Georgia - Walker Athletic Complex

Demorest, GA - In a return to Walker Athletic Complex after 16 days off from game competition, the Piedmont College men's lacrosse team fell to visiting Calvin College earlier Friday evening 10-4.  

The Lions struggled to get in a rhythm offensively dropping behind 5-2 in the first period though Piedmont's BRANSON MIKELL opening the contest with a score just over a minute in.  However, the Knights responded with four straight as Nate Ray scored two including the fourth to put Calvin in front. 

Mikell scored his second of three on the day before the opening period was concluded as the senior tallied a hat-trick for the third time this year.  Mikell earned the first two in the opening three games of the 2016 season.

Despite a standout day from Mikell on the attack and STEVE MIRAGLIA's 4th goal of the year, Piedmont couldn't get much going on the offensive end.  Calvin slowed down after opening with eight goals in the first half to score just two in the final two periods.

However, the Lions could not close the gap falling by six to the visitors at Walker Athletic Complex.

Turning Point
--Calvin's response to the quick strike from BRANSON MIKELL as the Knights scored four straight to quiet the home crowd in the 10-4 decision.

Standout Performances
--BRANSON MIKELL tallied a hat-trick for the third time this season, the first time since February 17 in a win vs. Oglethorpe...Mikell had scored just two goals in the last four games.
--VANN PALMER had a trio of caused turnovers and two ground balls in the contest.

Inside the Box Score
--Gilbert Ibara took all 16 face-offs winning nine of those, his highest this season.
--The Lions struggled in extra-man opportunities scoring only one man-up despite six chances.

News & Notes
--These two met for the first time in Piedmont's program history this Friday with the Knights defeating Oglethorpe University earlier this week as part of a two-game swing through the Peach State. 

Up Next
Piedmont now will enter the SEILC portion of the 2016 schedule as the Lions will host Ferrum College on March 26 at Walker Athletic Complex.  The Panthers are beginning their title defense having won the SEILC last season rallying from an 8-goal deficit in the 3rd quarter to overtake Huntingdon in overtime of the championship game.  Ferrum defeated Piedmont the night prior in the semis to earn its appearance in the Championship Game.

How to Follow
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