Eagles Glide to Victory After Strong First Half at Cumberlands

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

Photo Courtesy of David Donoher (@Daviddonoher)

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – A strong opening 30 minutes – four scores in the first and six in the second quarter – helped No. 1 Reinhardt stay unbeaten at 8-0 as it used that cushion to come away victorious over the Patriots of Cumberlands (Ky.), 14-7, inside the UC Lacrosse Complex.

The Eagles also stayed at the top of the Appalachian Athletic Conference standings at 3-0 in the league thanks to a team-best four goals from Conner Mills and three scores from the trio of Gavin Banks, Kyle Banks and Dillan Bousquet.

"Very happy to get out of Williamsburg, Ky., with a win," head coach John Snow said. "Always a tough place to play and a quality conference opponent… Was pleased with how we got off the bus and scored three quick goals. Conner Mills was huge for us in the first half, as he dominated his matchup and forced UC to make some defensive adjustments. We were able to control time of possession, thanks to JR Sess, and got great wing play by freshman Carter Maurice.

"Thought we got a little sloppy in the second half with turnovers, missed defensive assignments and too many missed shots. We definitely have to get better, but I'm proud of my guys for grinding out a win and remaining undefeated."

The hometown team did indeed come off the bus ready to play after it posted a trio of goals in just over four minutes of action. Cumberlands got on the board at 7:12, but the Eagles responded just over a minute later to wrap up the first stanza with a 4-1 lead.

Just as he started and ended the opening period, Mills netted another attempt to begin the second stanza. The two programs alternated goals until the visitors posted four-straight points to head into halftime up, 10-3.

The Patriots made strong adjustments in the third quarter, and after falling behind, 11-3, won the period and started the fourth with a netted shot to cap off a run of 3-0 to get back within five at 11-6. It would be the closest the hosts would get on the scoreboard the rest of the way, however, as the Eagles finished the game with three more goals while allowing just one additional tally.

Reinhardt doubled-up the competition in shots at 50-23 and pulled in 25 shots on-goal in the victory. JR Sess scooped up eight ground balls, while both Matt Potvin and Carter Maurice picked up seven and six, respectively.

Matt Webb continued his strong season with eight more saves and another triumph in the cage.

It's back to the road again in a couple days for Reinhardt as it travels to take on Tennessee Wesleyan in Athens on Tuesday at 3 p.m.

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