Box Score COLUMBIA, Mo. - With softball's Game 2 victory setting up the decisive match for William Woods University (5-7, 5-4 Heart of America Athletic Conference) during a busy Tuesday filled with competitions against athletic rival Columbia College (6-7, 6-3), the critical contest marked the first-ever lacrosse meeting between the two schools, held on the away field of R. Marvin Owens. Securing a 2-1 series win for WWU athletics on the day, the Owls delivered a dominant second half, achieving a 16-10 victory that spoiled Senior Day for the Cougars.

"Hats off to a good Columbia College team," William Woods lacrosse coach Seth Matlock said. "It was a battle from the start. After being down 5-1, the boys dug deep and earned a hard-fought conference win. We're playing well and hitting our stride at the right time as we head into conference playoffs. Xavier Dockery, Vin DeMarco, Dave Wiley, Jack Brackin and Ethan NewMyer all had multiple goals. Defense led by Andrew Stubblefield only allowed two goals in the second half. Very proud of these guys, and this team. Appreciate all the support the fans, family, support staff and administration have given us. Could not do it without everyone involved. Go Owls!!"

On their way to securing a significant regular-season finale victory, the Owls scored at least 16 goals for the fourth consecutive game. Unsurprisingly, WWU's top offensive player, Vinny DeMarco, who was recently named the Owls' first-ever Heart and NAIA Men's Lacrosse Offensive Player of the Week, led their offense with a game-high six points, which included four goals, 17 shots and 10 shots on goal, while also contributing two assists; defensively, he registered two caused turnovers and one ground ball.

David Wiley also excelled for The Woods, netting a hat trick while recording nine shots (eight on goal), seven ground balls and winning seven out of 12 faceoffs. Other standouts among WWU's outfield players included Jack Brackin with two goals, two assists and eight shots (five on goal), Ethan NewMyer with three goals, one assist and seven shots (five on goal), and Xavier Dockery with three goals and seven shots (four on goal).

Defensively, Drew Stubblefield (5-7) delivered another solid performance between the posts, making 10 saves with a .500 save percentage. Stubblefield rose to the occasion in the second half, notably stopping six shots in eight attempts (75%).

At a time of lesser significance, Columbia's best lacrosse occurred early, scoring the game's first goal just 53 seconds into the contest. Woods netted the equalizing goal when Wiley placed his shot, assisted by Brackin, into the back of the net with 8:52 remaining in the first quarter.

Following that, the Cougars scored four unanswered goals before the Owls narrowed the gap to two goals (5-3) with consecutive unassisted scores from Dockery, the last occurring with 1:23 remaining in the first quarter.

Columbia increased its advantage to three goals, and then WWU fought back again, recording two unanswered goals, with DeMarco slotting in the second on his shot inside the frame unassisted. That put it at 6-5 Cougars with 11:26 to go.

It was a first half marked by runs, and with Columbia having slightly longer surges, they held a narrow 8-7 lead at halftime. William Woods turned the tide, opening the second half with a 5-0 run and taking the lead for good during that period.

With a man-up for both goals, the Owls secured their game-tying 8-8 goal from Wiley, who received a pass from DeMarco. DeMarco switched roles, taking an assist from Brackin and placing the lead-changing, game-deciding shot into the back of the net with 9:00 left in the third quarter. During the crucial 5-0 run, DeMarco scored half of his game-high six points, while Wiley contributed with two goals during that span. The stretch concluded with the Owls' third and final man-up goal, scored by Dockery from a Sam Snyder assist, extending the lead to 12-8 with 12:57 remaining.

Speaking of Snyder, his only goal, assisted by DeMarco, marked the two-time All-American's final point and provided William Woods with its largest lead at 16-9 with 5:11 remaining, which stood as their final goal. The Owls played strong defense, preventing the Cougars' comeback by allowing just one goal in the final 5:11, with CC scoring its last goal at 2:35 on the clock.

In the game, William Woods recorded 52 shots (36 on goal), 18 ground balls, 18 turnovers and 16 faceoff victories. Conversely, Columbia had 26 shots (20 on goal), 14 ground balls, 22 turnovers, and 13 faceoff victories. 

The Owls aim to maintain their strong form in the Heart Men's Lacrosse Conference Tournament, starting with their yet-to-be-announced quarterfinal matchup on Saturday.