Mount Olive bombarded Lees-McRae with 50 shots and came within 5:36 of a rare shutout as the Trojans rolled over Lees-McRae 16-1 in Conference Carolinas men's lacrosse Saturday afternoon in Banner Elk, N.C. The win extended the Trojans' winning streak to four games heading into a showdown with nationally third-ranked Limestone Wednesday.
Saturday afternoon, the Trojans could do no wrong. Despite jest breaking even on face-offs, Mount Olive (6-3 overall, 2-0 Conference Carolinas) was able to continuously keep pressure on the Bobcat defense, thanks largely to aggressive play that led to 28 Lees-McRae turnovers.
Offensively, Cameron Walsh led five Trojans to break into the scoring column, finding the back of the net four times, bringing his season total to 13, third most on the squad. Matt Shields and Matt Devoy added two apiece, and Tyler Feniello and Aaron Bowlan one each.
Daniel Shields was kept off the scoreboard for the first time this season, but managed to dish out a game-high five assists.
In goal, Rocky Bowman and Eli Dodgson made life miserable for the Bobcats when they were able to get shots off. The pair combined for seven saves, most of which came late in the game.
With 5:47, Lees-McRae (0-11, 0-3) was able to break through to avoid the shutout.
Mount Olive ended most of the drama early. Walsh and Matt Shields each delivered twice in the first period after Sanderson got the Trojans on the board first. Walsh completed the hat trick midway through the second to make it 7-0 and the rout was on.
Mount Olive eventually led 16-0 before Lees-McRae answered.
The Trojans will host Limestone for a share of first place in Conference Carolinas Wednesday beginning at 4 p.m. at Amon Field.