NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 9, Illinois Tech 5
Records: Piedmont, 4-0; Illinois Tech, 1-1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Piedmont men's lacrosse team continued its hot start to the 2024 season, pulling away late to defeat Illinois Tech on Sunday afternoon at the Music City Games in Nashville.

The win gives the Lions their first 4-0 start in program history.

In a reversal of Saturday's win, this time the Lions started slowly on offense before erupting for five goals in the final quarter.

Isaac Harrington and Jacob Hasbrouck each scored two goals for the second consecutive day while seniors Ian Parr and Brady McGuire also added two goals.

Faceoff specialist Noah Glenzinski also continued a strong start to his season, winning 13-of-16 faceoffs to help the Lions win the possession battle.

The defense was stout, tying for a team-best five goals allowed with 14 caused turnovers and nine saves from Johnny Matrona.

McGuire helped the Lions strike quickly, scoring his two goals in the first five minutes of the contest.

The Scarlet Hawks scored the final two goals of the quarter and held Piedmont scoreless to make it 2-2 going into the second. Then, after Piedmont retook the lead briefly, Illinois Tech went on a 3-0 scoring run to lead 5-3.

From there, the Piedmont defense stifled the Scarlet Hawks attack, holding them scoreless for the final 27:08 of the game. 

Piedmont's Connor Rogers tied the game at 5-5 in the opening minute of the first quarter before Parr netted the game-winner around three minutes later off an assist from freshman Nick Winter.

The Lions left no doubt in the final quarter, adding three more insurance goals down the stretch.

Up next, the Lions will return for their home opener and host Birmingham-Southern this Friday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Piedmont's defense clamped down on the Scarlet Hawks in the second half, holding them scoreless for the final 27 minutes of play.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Harrington and Hasbrouck added two goals for the second straight game for a four-goal weekend.
- Glenzinski won 13-of-16 faceoffs.
- Freshman Luke Warren led the team with three caused turnovers.

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 X: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook.