DANVILLE, Va. – In what was only the second overtime contest in program history, freshman
Zachary Hulbert played hero as Averett University men's lacrosse squeaked out a thriller over Anderson University of Indiana, 10-9 on Thursday afternoon at Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.
Anderson (0-5) struck first with Noah Walsh, before freshmen
Brady Warble and Hulbert helped Averett (2-5) to quickly take the lead back, 2-1.
Leading Cougar goal scorer
Emmett Wood netted his 11th of the year to double Averett's advantage, and
Tigran Ceesay followed suit to put the home side up 4-1 as halftime approached. However, Raven Cooper Harris singlehandedly gave the visitors life with a pair of netters to slim the Cougars' lead to only one. Averett led 4-3 at the break.
Dawson Hobbs cushioned the Cougars with his fifth goal of the year, but Coopers Harris and Kistner tied the contest up for Anderson for the first time since early in the first period, at 5-5. The intensity almost led to even more scores, as Wood caused a turnover with seconds ticking down on the third quarter clock, and just missed the goal as time expired.
The fourth period was one to remember for the crowd in the Daly Field stands, as in the span of just under two minutes, three scores were had. It was in the Ravens' favor, however, as Noah Walsh was on the double to put Anderson up 7-6. The Ravens then went up by two, before Hobbs and
Brayton Powers struck back to the sound of a raucous crowd, tying the game up at eight apiece, with under three minutes to go.
Defender
Giovanni D'Amico then took matters into his own hands, taking the ground ball from the preceding faceoff, and making his way to the goal on his own, and rifled a shot into the net for the Cougars' 9-8 lead. Defending to stave off the Ravens, Averett almost fended off the visitors' last possession, until Walsh knotted it up at 9-9. Time expired shortly thereafter, as overtime was needed to settle the enthralling battle.
Averett got possession back from forcing an Anderson turnover in the first overtime, then Hulbert sent the home sidelines into a frenzy, scoring the game-winning goal, with his seventh of the year.
With the win, it marked the Cougars' first overtime triumph since April 23, 2022, a 14-13 win over Huntington College.
Three Averett players netted two scores, with Ceesay, Hulbert and Hobbs leading the charge. Powers managed a three-point game with two assists.
D'Amico led the defense, with six ground balls, and tied for the most caused turnovers with teammates
Zac Coleman and Wood.
Robbie Isenhour made eight saves.
The Cougars are once more back at Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium on Saturday, March 8, as they host Marietta College. Start time is set for 1 p.m.
