SWANNANOA, N.C. — Averett University men's lacrosse opened its 2023 campaign with a commanding 21-3 win over Warren Wilson College on the road Saturday, breaking or tying multiple records in the process.
In its dominant performance, Averett (1-0) broke or tied seven single-game program records. Freshman Cameron Shadduck smashed the new individual single game record for faceoffs won with 22-28, eclipsing the previous record of 16 set in 2022 against former USA South Conference opponent Pfeiffer University. His stellar performance in the faceoff circle led the Cougars to break the team single-game record for faceoffs won, surpassing the old mark of 19 also against Pfeiffer in 2022. Shadduck wasn't done there as he also set a new individual game record for ground balls in a game with 14.
Sophomore Brayton Powers and junior Connor Taff tied the program's individual record for goals scored in a game at five apiece. Taff also tied the individual record for shots on goal with nine. As a team, the Cougars also set a program record for shots on goal in a game with 38, taking down the previous record of 35 set last season against Warren Wilson.
Averett had eight players get in on the scoring action as the Cougars scored 13 consecutive goals at one point.
Averett's offense came out firing, scoring its first goal of the season just 2:33 into the game as sophomore Davis Moore found the back of the net, assisted by freshman Emmett Wood. Just over two minutes later Taff scored unassisted, and Wood followed up with a goal of his own just 45 seconds later to give the Cougars a quick 3-0 lead just under six minutes into their season.
After the first 15 minutes of action, Averett had a commanding 7-0 lead over Warren Wilson (0-2).
The Cougars scored four goals in the second period from, freshman Cooper Case and Taff, taking a 12-0 lead into the half.
The Owls scored two goals in the third to try to mount a comeback but Averett's offense held strong, scoring five goals in the third. The Cougars scored five additional goals in the fourth quarter while Warren Wilson scored one, bringing the final game score to 21-3.
Taff led Averett's offense with five goals and two assists to go along with 10 ground balls and two caused turnovers. Powers also scored five goals with one assist and seven ground balls, and Wood scored four goals and had an assist for five points. Moore and freshman Tyler Duffey each totaled two goals, while sophomore Jay Etheridge, freshman Anthony Garay and Case each had a goal.
Averett's defense was just as powerful, causing 15 turnovers. Freshman Mike Hernandez had a team-high four caused turnovers while scooping up four ground balls. Junior Calvin Beavers had three caused turnovers. Five other Cougars also recorded at least one caused turnover.
The Cougars split time in goal with four goalies, with freshman Cameron Prutzman picking up the win between the pipes while making three saves over 30 minutes of work. Sophomore Cody Morphis had two saves while freshman Andrew Guynn picked up one save.
Averett returns home to face Roanoke College to open Old Dominion Athletic Conference play on Wednesday.
