NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 12, William Peace 5
Records: Piedmont, 6-7 (4-1 USA South); William Peace, 6-4 (3-2 USA South)

DEMOREST, Ga. - On a frigid and windy Saturday afternoon in Demorest, the Piedmont men's lacrosse team dominated the second and third quarters to pull away from William Peace 12-5.

The Lions outscored the Pacers 9-1 over the middle 30 minutes of the game to remove all doubt heading to the final quarter.

The scoring was spread around as seven different Piedmont players tallied goals, led by three each from MICHAEL ANDERSON and JACOB WALKER.

Walker scored two of his season-best three goals in the first half while Anderson tallied Piedmont's first two goals in the second half. Faceoff specialist CHRIS PANNENBACKER had a near perfect day, winning 19-of-21 faceoffs and setting up Piedmont for 63 total shots in the game.

The senior Walker got the scoring started off an assist from Anderson with 12:13 left in the first quarter before the Pacers answered back just over a minute later. Each team added one more goal in the first to knot things up at 2-2 heading to the second.


 

Season-high three goals for JACOB WALKER in today's win!

Hear from the senior after the big win over William Peace ?? pic.twitter.com/YcPxI6Kflg

— Piedmont Lacrosse (@PiedmontLax) April 9, 2022

However, the Lions made their move early in the second quarter, with a 4-0 scoring outburst to take control. Both AVERY JENKS and Walker added their second goals of the day in the span while DREW BENNETT scored his first of the season.

After leading 6-3 going to the break, the Lions' defense clamped down even more in the third, as they held the Pacers scoreless while scoring five times themselves to put the game away.

The win marks three in a row in conference for the Lions in which they have outscored their opponents 56-13.

Up next, the Lions will head back to the road and battle Greensboro this Friday, April 15 at 1 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- The Lions used a 4-0 scoring run at the onset of the second quarter to take the lead for good.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Anderson delivered his second straight hat trick and third of the season, while adding an assist on Piedmont's opening goal.
- Walker tallied a season-high three goals and opened the scoring early in the first period.
- Long stick midfielder MACKLIN FLANIGAN tallied five ground balls and caused a pair of turnovers.
- Pannenbacker set the offense up all afternoon, winning 19-of-21 faceoffs.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University 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.