FULTON, Mo. - The North Campus Athletic Complex was the site of William Woods Men's Lacrosse opening Heart conference contest versus Saint Ambrose University. Bookended by a fiery start and an explosive final period, the Owls defended their home turf against the Fighting Bees, who received votes in the most recent national rankings, by score of 11-8.

The first quarter of play was literally all William Woods. The men converted pregame excitement for the important match into mid-game momentum, scoring four unanswered in period one. The first blow came off the stick of freshman Lyle Wiley, who contorted a shot around a defender and the keeper at the 6:30 mark, with Jack Brackin credited for the assist. Wiley followed that goal up with another, marking his first multi-score game, this time from fellow freshman Jerry Swenson. The veterans were not going to let the rookies have all of the fun, however. Ethan NewMyer and Xavier Dockery each scored in the opening quarter, coming from passes by Brackin and Joey Weingardt. At the end of one, the Owls were up 4-0.

As things go, if a punch is thrown, another can be expected in return. Despite a tumultuous beginning, Saint Ambrose was certainly not ready to give up on the contest. On the contrary, the Fighting Bees scored every goal in the second quarter, outdoing the Woods by one to take a 5-4 lead. SAU opened up the second half with similar fervor, scoring another two before the Owls could respond. 

And respond they did. William Woods would score seven goals in the third and fourth quarters, limiting the Fighting Bees to just one more goal, including a shut out in the final period. In order, the goals scored were Collis Rhodes (unassisted; 5:18 3Q), Brackin (assisted by NewMyer, 2:01 3Q), Rhodes (unassisted; 11:41 4Q), Connor White (unassisted; 11:16 4Q), Dockery (unassisted; 10:31 4Q), Swenson (unassisted; 4Q), and, to cap the victory off, a perfectly placed pass by Rhodes into the crease where White was waiting, who casually rolled the ball beneath the goalie and into the net.

William Woods' offense was able to take advantage of man-up opportunities in big moments in the second half and use their individual skills to create scoring opportunities. Though, the defense must not go overlooked, holding SAU to just eight and making each possession a challenge.

The Owls caused 11 turnovers, two coming from Landon Baker and Gage Loffer each. Rhodes was a menace on the field, for his aforementioned scoring as well as his ability to scoop ground balls. The young midfielder secured seven on the afternoon, earning the Woods some much needed possession.

Freshman Zach Hearn displayed his most dynamic performance of the season, earning his first victory in goal. The keeper gave up just eight, saving 12 shots, including multiple in the fourth quarter during his best period of play yet.

William Woods Men's Lacrosse was able to win on both ends of the field to earn their first Heart of America victory on the season. The Owls will continue conference play on Saturday, Mar. 21st in Creve Coeur for a 5 p.m. match up against Missouri Baptist Spartans.

  Read Full Article