NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 7, Bridgewater 14
Records: Piedmont, 0-2; Bridgewater 2-0

DEMOREST, GA— The Piedmont University men's lacrosse team allowed a fast start to Bridgewater College in their Saturday match-up that proved the difference as the Eagles shutout the Lions in the 1st quarter 6-0 en route to a 14-7 victory over the Green and Gold. 

Despite the quick deficit on the scoreboard, the Lions largely kept even with the Eagles in several statistical categories outperforming Bridgewater in total shots and on the face off where John Dieterly won 12 of his 20 opportunities.  

However, the Eagles made the most of their opportunities in front of the cage on Saturday as Luke Wendler's hat-trick powered Bridgewater to an 8-0 lead with still better than 11 minutes to play in the 2nd quarter. 

Piedmont tacked two goals on in response and kept the Eagles scoreless the rest of the half as both the Lions' goals came on man-up opportunities. 

In fact, the man-up offense for the Lions was a major bright spot in the defeat as Piedmont went 6-of-12 in extra-man opportunities including the final three goals the squad scored in the contest.  

But despite the numbers, it was Bridgewater who was more efficient with their chances as the Eagles were able to keep pace with a more potent Piedmont second half attack and clinch the 7-goal decision against the Lions.  

Piedmont's loss moves the Lions to 0-2 on the '26 season with both games coming in the Music City Classic hosted in Nashville, Tennessee. 

The Lions will stay in the Volunteer State for their next scheduled action facing Rhodes College a week from today, February 21 at 12:00 pm.  

TURNING POINT:
- The fast start for Bridgewater sealed the deal early for the Eagles in the win as their 6-0 run in the 1st quarter helped them to a 2-0 record so far in 2026. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- The two were tight in several statistical categories throughout the day with Piedmont out-shooting Bridgewater 43-41 and also besting the Eagles on the face off winning 14 of the 25. 
- Bridgewater was incredibly efficient on the clear going 23-for-25 while Piedmont was 13-of-20.
- Both teams picked up exactly 34 ground balls in the contest.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Freshman Grady Eyler had another solid day after opening his collegiate career yesterday with a pair of goals against Transylvania adding two more scores against Bridgewater this afternoon.

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.