NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 13, Sewanee 12 (F/OT)
Records: Piedmont, 5-1; Sewanee, 2-6

SEWANEE, Tenn. - For the second time this season, Piedmont men's lacrosse delivered a dramatic road overtime game winner, taking down Sewanee 13-12 on Saturday afternoon.

The win is the first in program history for the Lions over Sewanee.

This time, it was Brady McGuire who played the hero, capping an incredible performance, as his sixth and final goal of the game ended the game off an incredible pass from sophomore Zach Avila.



 

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Piedmont 13, Sewanee 12 F/OT pic.twitter.com/8MBBvjLqII

— Piedmont Lacrosse (@PiedmontLax) March 2, 2024

The Lions led in the late going, but the Tigers were able to knot the game at 12 apiece with a goal in the final minute of regulation. Then, after a couple crucial saves from Piedmont goalie Johnny Matrona, the Lions took advantage as the first overtime period was winding down, going from defense to offense quickly, with Avila finding McGuire for the quick strike.

It was another great performance in goal for Matrona, who finished one shy of his career high with 22 saves, after making 23 in the team's OT win over Berry earlier this season.

McGuire added two assists to his season-high six goal total, while Michael Anderson tied his season high with three goals, his first multi-goal performance since the season opener against Oglethorpe. Avila matched McGuire for a team-high two assists on the day, including the game winner. On the defensive side, Eric Fewell added his first career goal and led the team with four ground balls.

After Piedmont scored the opening goal of the game, the Tigers answered by scoring six of the next seven in the game to jump ahead 6-2 midway through the second. However, the Lions were undeterred, answering right back with a 4-0 run of their own to knot the score at 6-6.

From there, neither side was able to lead by more than one until a 4-0 run from Piedmont made it 12-9 Lions with 7:22 left in the contest. The game had yet another twist as Sewanee held the Lions scoreless the rest of the way in regulation, eventually tying the score in the final minute before Piedmont broke the Tigers' hearts in overtime.

TURNING POINT:
- McGuire's OT game-winner came in transition and stunned the Tigers with under two minutes to go in the first overtime period.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- McGuire had a season0high six goals and added two assists.
- Matrona added 22 saves, one shy of his career high and made crucial saves late to keep the game tied.

NEWS AND NOTES:
- The Lions have now defeated both Berry and Sewanee for the first time in program history this season. Both wins came on the road and in overtime.
- Piedmont returned the favor to the Tigers after Sewanee emerged victorious, 12-11, in overtime last season in Demorest.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Piedmont won the game despite the Tigers owning a 64-29 shot advantage and a 44-20 edge in ground ball pickups.

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