Buena Vista, VA - Southern Virginia University men's lacrosse returned to their winning ways with a victory over SUNY Delhi, 10-7. It was a back and forth contest through three quarters, but the Knights pulled away in the final frame to secure their third win of the season, bringing their record to a spotless 3-0 on their home turf.
Clay Haacke opened the scoring just over four minutes into the contest while Abe Salmon doubled their lead a few minutes later. Salmon added to his total a few minutes later, but the Broncos weathered the storm and trailed by just one at the end of the first quarter. In the second they Broncos seized control and vaulted into the lead thanks to three straight goals. The Knights did their part in limiting their losses as Garrett Zollinger scored a couple of goals to keep the team within striking distance. They trailed 6-5 at halftime.
The second half seemed like a continuous hard fought battle for possession. Both teams made it difficult for the other to make successful clears, particularly SUNY Delhi, who converted on just 11 of their 21 clearing attempts the rest of the way. Jace Lightfoot saved his best play in goal for the third quarter, as he pitched a shutout in the quarter while making seven saves. Clay Haacke and Abe Salmon each found the back of the net to give the Knights an important 7-6 lead heading into the final frame.
Clinging to a one goal lead, Southern Virginia's defenders came to the forefront, forcing the Broncos into 12 turnovers and providing little space on zone exits. JT Cutrer led the way by causing six turnovers, a career high for the senior, and collecting two ground balls. Freshmen Kanyun Avner and Hunter Jones each caused three turnovers as the Knights only relinquished one goal in the second half. Lightfoot made two more saves in the fourth quarter but the game was sealed by a goal from Clay Haacke, his third of the game.
The Knights overcame a tough day in faceoffs to defeat their opponents, 10-7. They managed nearly 50 shots towards the cage and held a large advantage in clearing attempts. Clay Haacke, Tyson Mauri, and Abe Salmon had big days on the attack, each registering at least three points. Jace Lightfoot finished with 12 saves and his second best save percentage (.632) of the season.
The win was much needed for the Knights as it breaks a three-game losing streak. Next, they travel to Memphis to face Rhodes College. The opening faceoff is scheduled for Saturday, March 8th, at 12:30 PM (CT). For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_mlax on Instagram.
