MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The University of Mount Olive men’s lacrosse team returned home in strong fashion, defeating conference opponent Young Harris College 14-4 in a commanding victory.
The Trojans had not played at home since Feb. 14, but quickly showed the advantage of their home field against the Lions.
Young Harris opened the scoring in the first quarter, but Mount Olive responded soon after. Trojan standout Benjamin Vanderkley scored back-to-back goals to shift momentum, while teammate Trent Steele added another score to give the Trojans the early edge.
Mount Olive’s offense exploded in the second quarter, producing seven of the team’s 14 total goals. Brayden Rieger and Vanderkley each delivered another pair of back-to-back goals during the surge. Charles Gott contributed two goals, while Micaiah Boyle and Andrew Yozzo also found the back of the net.
The second half saw a slower pace of scoring, with the Trojans adding three more goals to close out the win. By that point, Mount Olive had firmly taken control of the game.
The Trojans finished with 43 total shots, including 28 on goal. They also dominated in possession, collecting 46 ground balls and winning 14 face-offs. Nicholas Lougue, Bryce Ailiff, and Tyler Shuler played key roles in the face-off victories.
Mount Olive will return to action on Wednesday, March 18, when the Trojans travel to Murfreesboro to face the Chowan University Hawks under the lights at 7 p.m.
