Rams Top Ravens in Non-Conference Action

Cornell College topped the Anderson University men's lacrosse team with a 12-7 victory on Wednesday at Macholtz Stadium.

Anderson (1-5) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first seven minutes. The Rams (2-1) netted two goals to even the match at 2-all after the first quarter.

"We started fast and got a few quick goals," Coach Jacob Ashton said. "We knew Cornell was going to sit in a zone on defense and we did a good job running our sets. However, we continued to struggle in the simple things: winning ground balls, passing, catching and we let them right back into the game."

Cornell outscored Anderson 6-2 in the second quarter to take an 8-4 lead at halftime. The Rams led the Ravens 9-5 after three quarters. Anderson cut the deficit to 9-7 with 5 minutes, 24 seconds remaining, but Cornell found the back of the net three times in the final two minutes.

 "We fought back towards the end of the game and brought it within two, but we didn't take care of the ball and missed a few opportunities."

Cornell cleared 12-of-19 (63.1 percent) attempts while Anderson finished 11-of-21 (52.4 percent) clears. The Rams held a 35-27 advantage in ground balls. Anderson committed 23 turnovers while Cornell committed 22 turnovers.

"Sadly our youth shows when we get tired and we get careless, which leads to turnovers. Cornell didn't pressure hard on our clears but we panicked and kept giving them the ball back."

Cole Whatley tallied three goals and an assist for four points for the Ravens. The freshman from Green Bay, Wis. won 5-of-10 (50 percent) faceoffs and picked up seven ground balls.

Johnathan Havener contributed two goals and an assist for three points. Tristan Wilbrandt turned in a goal and an assist. Logan Lawrence dished out two assists. Gage Jones produced a goal and Landre Stemick added an assist.

Eric Fisher saved 12 of the 24 shots he faced. Josh Ekberg recorded six ground balls. Grant Miller and Colt Comiskey each caused two turnovers. Lawrence and Fisher picked up three ground balls apiece.

Whatley registered eight shots on goal. Wilbrandt contributed five shots on goal. Lawrence totaled four shots on goal. Havener turned in three shots on goal and Jones added a shot on goal.

Whatley produced 15 shots. Wilbrandt put together eight shots. Havener and Lawrence put together six shots each while Jones contributed three shots.

Anderson battles Adrian College (4-1) next Wednesday at 4 p.m.

 "We simply need to work harder and want it more. We can't play like we did [on Wednesday] against Adrian next week."