Waleska, GA – The eighth-ranked University of the Cumberlands men's lacrosse team couldn't overcome an early deficit as they fell to the reigning NAIA champions Reinhardt 11-3 in their 2018 season opener Saturday night at Ken White Field at University Stadium.  With the win the Eagles improve to 1-0, while the Patriots fall to 0-1.

Reinhardt jumped out to a fast start outshooting the Patriots 9-2 in the first quarter, with eight of those shots coming on frame.  Will Settle made four of his nine saves in the opening period, however the Eagles took a 4-0 lead.

A Gavin Banks goal at the 7:09 mark in the second quarter extends Reinhardt's lead to 5-0.  The score remained that way until Dalton Smith found Caleb Elerick in front of the cage for a goal to put UC on the board.  The Eagles took advantage of a Patriot penalty as Chad Huffman found Jake Starnes for the man-up goal to give the Reinhardt a 6-1 lead at the break.

The Patriots came out looking to mount a comeback in the second half.  Six minutes into the third quarter Dalton Smith netted an unassisted goal to cut the deficit to 6-2.  Minutes later, Dylan Crouch put a well-placed shot into the back of the cage to make it 6-3 with 5:34 left in the third quarter.  However, that was the closest UC got as Reinhardt score the final five goals of the contest for the 11-3 final.

Leading the way for the Patriots was Smith, who tallied a goal and an assist, while Elerick and Crouch each netted goals.    Settle and Jake Mitchell scooped up four ground balls apiece, while Jake Morgan posted two caused turnovers. 

The Patriots will return to the field Saturday, February 24, when they host ninth-ranked SCAD in their 2018 home-opener.  The game is slated for 6 p.m. with live video available here, while live stats are available here.

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