DANVILLE, Va. – Despite a superb hat-trick from freshman
Gabe Gallegos, the Averett University men's lacrosse team saw its early lead reversed by visiting Hiram College, which culminated in a 8-6 loss at Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Averett (0-6) jumped out to a five-goal lead in the blink of an eye. In just under nine minutes, the Cougars led by what seemed to be a comfortable margin;
Gabe Gallegos had two of those scores to aid the Cougars thus far.
The second period was all Hiram (1-3). Score by score, the Terriers made their way back into the game, and tied it at five with under six to play in the half. The visitors' run kept going, with two more goals after to flip the game on its head, and went into the break with the 7-5 lead.
The next quarter was a complete switch in tempo from the two teams; as play slowed down, chances waned for either side. Averett struck first in the third with Gallegos' third to complete the hat-trick, his second of the season. On the other side, the Terriers' Will Minggia scored his third to bring Hiram back up two, as neither side could muster up a goal for the rest of the period.
The Cougars overwhelmed Hiram in the final stanza, with double the shots and more shots on goal, but it resulted in no score. The Terriers' Aiden Griffin stopped five shots in goal to deny Averett any chance at a late comeback. A last-minute turnover from the home team sealed its fate, and to the loss.
Four players had at least four ground balls, with junior defender
Giovanni D'Amico at the forefront with five. He also led all Averett players in caused turnovers with four. Sophomore goalkeeper
Robbie Isenhour brought his season-opening streak of 10 or more saves to six, with 13 on the Terriers.
The homestand marches on for the Cougars, with Marietta College on the way next on Wednesday, March 11. Start time is set for 5 p.m.
