Charlotte, N.C. -- Belmont Abbey senior attackman Jedd Gardner scored four goals and senior attackman Michael Brown dished out five assists as the Crusaders men's lacrosse team upended Wingate University 17-7 this afternoon at Marion Diehl Park in Charlotte. The Abbey evens its record at 2-2, while the Bulldogs drop to 1-5.

Leading 3-0 after the opening period, the Abbey exploded for ten goals in the second half, three by Gardner and two by Brown, as it opened up a 13-4 halftime advantage. It would outscore Wingate 4-3 in the second half, with all four goals coming in the final period.

The Abbey outshot the Bulldogs 67-28 as Gardner finished with four goals on eight shots, while scooping up four ground balls and causing one turnover. Brown finished with three goals and a game-high five assists, while collecting four ground balls. Austin Whitesell, Matt Spivey and Brian Watson all finished with two goals, while Dave DiLuigi, Tristan Keas, Miles Elliott and Mike Pease all had one. Gardner, Whitesell, Ben Kennedy and Terrance Sullivan all had one each.

Defensively, the Abbey caused ten turnovers as Tom Ottman and Joey Peruzzi both led the way with four. Watson posted eight face off wins and a team-high seven ground balls as the Crusaders won that battle 40-30. Goalkeeper Tony Kikola made ten saves before giving way to Merrick Reiland, who posted a pair of saves in the final 6:17.

Wingate was led by Ryan Otterblad's game-high five goals, while Greg Williams and Talmadge Farringer both had one. Mark Hodson had two assists, while Chris Johns, Derek Malone and Billy Mutton all had one.

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Charlotte, N.C. -- The Wingate University lacrosse team dropped a non-conference match to Belmont Abbey College on Saturday afternoon 17-7. The two teams met in the Queens Sports Complex at Marion Diehl Park. The Crusaders jumped to a 10-0 lead in the first 24 minutes of play. Belmont Abbey posted 10 goals in the second quarter en route to a commanding 13-4 lead at intermission.

The visiting Bulldogs were led by senior Ryan Otterblad (Dumfries, Va.), who scored five goals in the contest. Classmate Greg Williams (Woodbridge, Va.) added one goal for Wingate. Bulldog freshman goalkeeper Danny Dlugozima (Wesley Chapel, Fla.) took the loss, registering 14 saves. The rookie netminder allowed 10 goals in 38 minutes of action.

Nine different players found the back of the nets for the Abbey, led by Jedd Gardner's four goals and one assist. Michael Brown added three goals and a team-high five assists for the Crusaders, who improve to 2-2 with the victory.

Belmont Abbey will host Queens University of Charlotte on March 21 at 2:00 p.m. Wingate (1-5 overall) will return to action on March 14, as the Bulldogs host Lees-McRae College at Irwin Belk Stadium and John R. Martin Field. Start time is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

2009-03-07