NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Berry 12, Piedmont 9
Records: Berry, 2-0; Piedmont, 0-1

DEMOREST, Ga. - In a back-and-forth battle that was close the entire way, Piedmont men's lacrosse fell just short in a 12-9 season-opening loss to Berry on Wednesday evening at the Walker Athletic Complex.

In a game that was close throughout and produced multiple lead changes, the Vikings (2-0) outscored the Lions (0-1) 3-1 in the final quarter to pull out the win.

After leading the team in points a season ago, junior AVERY JENKS picked up where he left off, delivering a hat trick with three goals while dishing out two assists. In his Piedmont debut, freshman BRADY MCGUIRE scored twice and had one assist. On the defensive side, ZACK SCHRAMM led the team with four caused turnovers.

Berry jumped out to a quick start, scoring twice in the first 2:01 of the contest before PC opened its scoring on a goal from PHILLIP WATTERS with 8:11 left in the first.

After the Vikings answered back Piedmont scored twice in the final 30 seconds of the quarter including a goal from AVERY JENKS with three seconds left.

The second quarter was a defensive battle that included just one goal, the second of the evening for BRADY JENKS to give the Lions a 5-4 lead headed into halftime.

However, Berry's offense roared to life, exploding for five goals in the third quarter to give the Vikings a one-goal edge going to the final 10 minutes.

Piedmont was able to quickly knot the score at 9-all but from there it was all Berry, as the Lions were held off the scoreboard the rest of the way.

The Vikings pulled away, ending the game on a 3-0 run to close out the victory.

Up next, the Lions will take to the road, battling Centre this Saturday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- After AVERY JENKS' third goal of the evening tied the score at 9-9 early in the fourth quarter, Berry's defense shut out the Lions the rest of the way as it pulled away for the win.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- AVERY JENKS delivered three goals and led PC with five points.
- Freshman BRADY MCGUIRE added three points (2 goals, 1 assist) in his Piedmont debut.
- Goalie ZACH CZULADA made 13 saves.

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, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.