NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 14, Berry 13
Records: Piedmont, 1-0; Berry, 0-1

DEMOREST, Ga. - On an unseasonably warm Saturday afternoon in Demorest, Piedmont men's lacrosse retained the Peach Cup with a thrilling 14-13 victory over Berry.

The Lions jumped out to a big early lead and survived a late comeback attempt to win its second consecutive game over the Vikings by a one-goal margin.

Junior attackman Isaac Harrington was the offensive star for the Lions, scoring five times to lead all players in the game. Will Isley, Joseph Whitmore and Ian Parr added two goals each while Parr paced the team with three assists.

On the defensive side, goalie Mike Eisele delivered an excellent performance in his first career start, making 17 saves including one in the final seconds to secure the win.


 

First career start. First career win.

Mike Eisele breaks down the Lions' victory over in-state rival Berry. pic.twitter.com/1Q6HIZUrMQ

— Piedmont Lacrosse (@PiedmontLax) February 9, 2025

Piedmont was dominant to start the game, racing out to a 4-0 lead and holding Berry off the scoreboard for the entirety of the opening quarter.

Although the Vikings finally broke through in the second quarter, Piedmont actually lengthened its lead to 8-2 going into the break.

However, Berry was undeterred, roaring back into the game with a big third quarter, eventually tying the score at 10-10 with 1:13 remaining in the period, but Piedmont never let the Vikings take the lead.

Isley broke the 10-10 tie with his second goal at 13:38 left in the game and the Lions led the rest of the way. Piedmont freshman Austin Sprout scored Piedmont's 14th and final goal of the contest to put them up 14-11 with 2:48 left. While Berry struck back quickly with two goals to get back within one of tying the score, the defense held and Eisele made his 17th and final save as the final seconds ticked away.

Up next, the Lions will travel to Tennessee to take on Centre at the Music City Classic in Nashville, Tennessee with the game scheduled for 8 p.m. (ET) next Saturday, Feb. 15.

TURNING POINT:
- Piedmont turned away Berry in the final seconds to preserve the 14-13 victory.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Eisele made 17 saves in his first start in goal for the Lions.
- Harrington added five goals in an efficient offensive display.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Piedmont held a slight 37-35 edge in ground balls while the Vikings were able to win 17-of-30 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 X: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook.