Ravens Charge Past Student Princes

The Anderson University men's lacrosse team won its first game of the season, charging past Heidelberg University with a 14-5 victory on Sunday at Macholtz Stadium.

"I'm glad to see us playing fast, fundamental lacrosse," Coach Jacob Ashton said. "We talked about starting hot and carrying the momentum. Defensively, we were very disciplined for most of the game and didn't try to force passes in the clear. I was happy to see multiple contributors on the offensive end and seeing guys working hard on the ride, which we caused a few turnovers and made some plays off of them."

The Ravens (1-2) had a hot start to the game, scoring nine goals in the first quarter. Anderson set a school record for most goals in the first quarter and tied the program record for most goals scored in any quarter. Six Ravens found the back of the net opening frame. Cole Whatley opened up the scoring with 13:34 to go in the quarter. Less than two minutes later Johnathan Havener joined the scoring with a goal of his own. The duo would score back-to-back again in the first quarter to make it 4-0. Zach Thompson scored his first goal of the season. Clayton Emery added his fourth goal of the year to make it a 6-0 Raven lead. Havener got his hat trick goal in the first quarter with 4:51 to play and only 21 seconds later junior Michael Ertel scored his first goal of the game on a Havener assist. Heidelberg would score once in the first quarter but the Ravens, Josh Rhodes scored with a minute to play to make the score at the end of the first quarter 9-1.

A long scoring drought came from the Ravens to open the second quarter but Ertel added his second goal of the game to answer a Heidelberg score from earlier. Emery also added his second goal of the game with 2:23 left to play before halftime. The Ravens led Heidelberg 11-2.

After halftime Anderson made it a 10-goal game after a goal from Sean Terry. The Ravens finished the game in control. Receiving goals from Emery and another goal was added to Whatley's stat line. 

Seven Ravens scored goals in Sunday's game, including three goals a piece from Johnathan Havener, Cole Whatley and Clayton Emery. Michael Ertel found the back of the net twice, while Sean Terry, Zach Thompson and Josh Rhodes all scored once. 

Sophomore Mason Bratcher led the Ravens in caused turnovers with six while also picking up six ground balls.

Senior goalie Eric Fisher saw 21 shots in the contest and came up with 16 saves. 

The Ravens finished 12-of-17 (70.6 percent) on clears while the Student Princes were held to 10-of-20 (50 percent) on clears. Anderson outshot Heidelberg 43-32 the Ravens also picked up 51 ground balls to Heidelberg's 39.

Next up, the Ravens travel to West Virginia on March 5 to face off against Bethany College (1-1). Faceoff is set for 1pm.