Ravens Hang Tough with Trojans in Season Opener

Taylor University pulled away from the Anderson University men's lacrosse team with an 11-8 victory during Thursday's matchup at Macholtz Stadium.

Johnathan Havener (Kettering, Ohio/Kettering Fairmount) put the Ravens (0-1) on the board as Anderson led 1-0 after the first quarter. The Trojans (2-1) scored the next four goals to take a 4-1 lead and held a 5-2 advantage at halftime.

During the third quarter, Anderson chipped away at its 5-2 deficit and ended the quarter tied at 6-all, which included two goals from freshman Josh Rhodes (Vienna, Va./James Madison).

Cole Whatley (Green Bay, Wis./Notre Dame Academy) netted a goal in the fourth quarter to give the Ravens a 7-6. Taylor managed to outscore the Ravens 5-1 the rest of the way to take the win.

"I am very proud of our boys," Coach Jacob Ashton said. "We went up against a solid Taylor program."

The Trojans racked up five minutes of penalties in the first quarter but held the Ravens scoreless during their five first-quarter extra-man opportunities.

"We knew Taylor was a physical team having watch some of their previous contests as this was their third contest compared to our first contest. We were unable to capitalize on our extra-man opportunities in the first quarter and that hurt us in the long run. Our struggles came in the second and fourth quarters when our legs gave out and we started to make mistakes."

Whatley led the Ravens with three goals. The sophomore from Green Bay, Wis. contributed five ground balls and eight faceoff wins.

Eric Fisher (Indianapolis, Ind./Southport) saved 17 of the 28 shots he faced.

Rhodes provided two goals in his collegiate debut. Havener, Michael Ertel (Morrow, Ohio/Little Miami) and Logan Lawrence (Westfield, Ind./Westfield) each turned in goals. Jacob Spratley (Columbus, Ind./Columbus East) dished out two assists while Logan Lawrence and Landon Lawrence (Westfield, Ind./Westfield) each added assists.

Sophomore Jacob Glowner (New Palestine, Ind./Roncalli) picked up four ground balls in his collegiate debut. Mason Bratcher (Louisville, Ky./Louisville Male), Ertel, Landon Lawrence and Rhodes recorded three ground balls apiece.

"This was the most complete game we have ever played in our young three-year history; our defense played fantastic throughout and we shut down their key offensive threats. It's hard to point out any specific players as this was truly a solid team effort all around for us; you never like to lose but we learned that we have the opportunity to be a great team."

The Ravens battle Wabash College (0-0) on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Macholtz Stadium.