Eagles Edge Out the Patriots in Overtime Thriller at Ken White Field

Waleska, GA - Reinhardt Men's Lacrosse checked off one more box of reaching one of their season goals of staying undefeated. The #1 ranked Eagles welcomed Cumberlands Patriots on Saturday evening for a battle of top five ranked NAIA Lacrosse teams.  The rivalries that are forming inside the AAC top teams are no doubt the best in the country with the conference holding four of the top five spots in the NAIA.  Reinhardt, Keiser, Webber, and Cumberlands have proven over the past several years that the AAC is the king of men's lacrosse in the NAIA and this makes for some very spirited games when they face off during the season.  Saturday's game did not disappoint with a tight contest from start to finish added with a dramatic overtime finish, which had the Eagles edging out the Patriots with a sudden death overtime goal, 14-13.

This would be one of the more competitive games for the Eagles, which they were trailing a majority of the first half.  Going into the halftime break, the Patriots had a large 10-5 lead which had Eagles fans somewhat worried - but the game was well in striking distance knowing how fast the Eagles can score.

The Eagles spread out the scoring in this game with eight getting on the scoreboard, but this game would belong to JR Sess.  Sess led the Eagles with 5 goals and none bigger than the game-winner in the overtime period to get the win, 14-13!  Sess is always at the top of the list in scoring goals for the Eagles, but this was his first time holding the top spot this season. He also added 7 ground balls, one assist, and one caused turnover in the game.

Ethan Lux and Benji Shackleford both added 2 goals each for the Eagles.  Shackleford's second goal came in the late moments of the game which appeared to be a game-winner in regular time, however, Cumberlands would score with just two seconds left to send the game to overtime.

Cameron Cochran, Wyatt Maddox, Kollin Etheredge, Carter Maurice, and Brady Hanak all scored goals for the Eagles in the victory!

Defensively, Liam Wright was the man that kept the game open for the Eagles. In the overtime period, Cumberlands got the ball back after losing the face-off and were able to get a shot on goal at point-blank-range on Wright and he made the save to keep the Eagles alive. If he doesn't make the save - Sess does not have a chance to do his thing on the offensive end and the Patriots walk out of Waleska knocking off the #1 team.

Wright ended the night with unbelievable numbers. He had 16 saves from 29 shots on goal.  Also notable was the work of Kollin Etheredge who played well on the defensive end picking up 4 ground balls and causing one turnover. Jason Marx was an active player defensively as well making stop after stop and relaying the ball to the attackers. He had 5 ground balls and 2 caused turnovers.

The Eagles have one more game before they can start thinking about the AAC Tournament and the NAIA Nationals.  They have themed their season at the "Revenge Tour, 2024" - which is for taking back the crown as the top men's lacrosse program in the NAIA.  The Eagles play Point University next Saturday at 2 pm. A win will wrap up the undefeated season and keep them in the #1 spot in the NAIA. They will have a first-round bye in the AAC Tournament which they usually have each season, however, the AAC Tournament is just as tough to win as the NAIA Nationals.  The top four teams in the AAC (Reinhardt, Keiser, Webber, and Cumberlands) will all be represented in the NAIA Nationals despite what they do in the AAC Tournament - but competitively every team wants this title along with being crowned NAIA National Champion.  It will be an exciting late April and early May again for Reinhardt Lacrosse.

RU Men's Lacrosse schedule:

https://reinhardteagles.com/sports/mlax/2023-24/schedule