Decatur, AL – The eighth-seed Patriots netted four goals in both the third and fourth quarters, however, it wasn't enough as they fell to top-seed Madonna 23-12 in the Quarterfinals of the NAIA Tournament Tuesday afternoon at Jack Allen Complex. With the win, the Crusaders improve to 19-1, while UC concludes their season with a 9-8 record.
Nathan Cook led the way with three goals, while
Dom Lulow and
Will Rogers tallied two goals and an assist each.
Ty Grooms went 4-9 with three ground balls and a caused turnover, while the quartet of
Jeffrey Fisher,
Johnny Simpson,
Kuwese Walker, and
Jacob Ingle tallied a pair of caused turnovers each.
JD Cook and
Nathan Foskey combined for eight saves.
Madonna struck first, however UC responded a minute later a Walker forced a turnover and on the ensuing possession
Nathan Cook ripped a shot into the cage making it 1-1. Midway through the period Rogers found Cook cutting for a man-up goal cutting the deficit to 3-2. Madonna added three goals, before Cook dodged and made a well-placed shot to complete the first quarter hat trick.
The Crusaders outshot the Patriots 16-9 in the second quarter and utilized an 8-1 run to take a 14-4 lead.
Lulow netted a pair of goals in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 18-6 with 7:48 remaining in the period. A minute later, Abbott ripped a shot just under the crossbar. The two teams traded possession over the next few minutes until Simpson forced a turnover, scooped the ground ball, and took it coast-to-coast for the goal cutting the deficit 21-8.
Foskey opened the fourth quarter with a save and on the ensuing possession Abbott beat the shot clock to net a goal making it 21-9. Madonna netted two of the next three goals before
Alex Heck made a strong dodge and scored with 6:40 remaining cutting the deficit 23-11. A few minutes later, Walker forced a turnover and on the possession Lulow found Rogers for a goal for the 23-12 final.
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