Reinhardt Tames Bulldogs With Another Second-Half Flurry

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

ATHENS, Tenn. – A monster third period (9-1) helped No. 1 Reinhardt fly away from Tennessee Wesleyan on Tuesday afternoon, 18-2.

The Eagles (9-0, 4-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) were able to string together 38 shots to keep the pressure on the Bulldogs – who actually scored first in 40 seconds and kept it close until halftime.

The hometown team would then go on a 10-0 run from the beginning of the contest to mid-third quarter to help add to its 5-1 lead at the break. Reinhardt finished the scoring spree ahead, 11-1, then Tennessee Wesleyan would notch its final tally of the day at 5:02 in the third.

From there, however, the visitors would take complete control once more and finish the outing on a 7-0 run, including a nice 4-0 finish in the fourth stanza alone.

"Big team win today against a conference rival who has their backs against the wall and really needed a win to solidify their conference tournament spot," lead Eagle John Snow said. "We came out a little slow in the first half since we were having problems putting the ball in the back of the cage… Two reasons being we weren't placing our shots well and the TWU goalie was making some great saves. After a tongue lashing at halftime, we came out and shot much better in the third quarter. We continued to play well in the fourth in addition to getting great defensive effort by my long poles and defensive middies.

"We played the second how we need to play a full 60 minutes if we want a chance to win another championship. I think we can do it... We just need to stay disciplined and be all in all the time. Proud of my defense only giving up two goals."

The Eagles got five goals and an assist from Tyler Chavous to lead the way offensively. Not far behind him was Gavin Banks with four goals and an assist and Zane Anderson with a trio of scores and two dimes.

Additionally, four other teammates netted an attempt in the victory. Ethan Lux and Dillan Bousquet each scooped up three grounders.

Matt Webb was again strong in the cage with six saves out of eight shots.

Tennessee Wesleyan suffered 18 turnovers, which didn't help matters, and it was outshot, 38-17, in defeat.

A three-game homestand to end the regular season is on deck, beginning with Montreat (N.C.) on Saturday evening at 5 p.m.

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