Waleska, GA – The 2nd ranked Webber International Men's Lacrosse team put on an impressive all-around performance in a dominant 10-5 victory over Reinhardt University. Webber controlled the game from the start, capitalizing on their defensive strength and offensive efficiency to dismantle the Eagles.
With a fast-paced and aggressive first quarter, Webber quickly asserted their dominance, leaving Reinhardt scrambling for answers. The Warriors' defense, led by goalkeeper Liam Murphy, proved to be the difference-maker, while a balanced offensive attack ensured that Reinhardt had no chance to mount a serious comeback.
Webber wasted no time setting the tone early, as Daniel McClure broke the deadlock at the 12:22 mark, giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead. This goal set the stage for Webber's aggressive offensive approach, as they continued to pressure Reinhardt's defense and force turnovers.
Despite Reinhardt's best efforts to respond, the Webber defense stood firm. Liam Murphy made key saves, while the defensive unit disrupted multiple offensive possessions from the Eagles. Reinhardt struggled to find their rhythm, missing multiple shot attempts, including efforts from Carter Garrison and Reid McDowell that went wide.
Webber capitalized on Reinhardt's struggles, extending their lead with a goal from Jeremiah Loo at 5:04, assisted by Joshua Colon-Prinzo. The momentum continued to shift in Webber's favor when Nick Sheaffer added another goal at the 3:16 mark, pushing the lead to 3-0 and forcing Reinhardt to call a timeout.
Reinhardt finally broke through in the final minute of the quarter, with Luke Greer scoring at the 1:03 mark off an assist from Joey Amatulli. This cut the lead to 3-1, but the Warriors remained in full control heading into the second quarter.
The second quarter was marked by tenacious defense and goaltending on both ends. Webber continued to dominate possession, but Reinhardt goalkeeper Michael Scoleri made critical stops to prevent the game from getting out of hand.
Reinhardt closed the gap to 3-2 when Cameron Ison found the net at the 4:51 mark, assisted by Benjamin Shackelford. However, Webber was quick to respond, as Sheaffer delivered his second goal of the game at 2:32, restoring a two-goal cushion at 4-2.
Both teams continued to battle, but missed shots and turnovers plagued the offensive efforts. Webber's defense remained relentless, forcing multiple failed clears and turnovers from Reinhardt. The half ended with Webber clinging to a 4-2 lead, knowing they had the momentum but needing to execute further to secure the win.
The third quarter was a showcase of Webber's offensive firepower, as the Warriors overwhelmed Reinhardt with a relentless attack. Dillon Ziemba struck first at 14:09, followed by McClure netting his second goal at 12:11, extending the lead to 6-2.
Reinhardt had no answers for Webber's suffocating pressure, struggling to maintain possession and clear the ball from their defensive zone. Turnovers and costly penalties allowed Webber to keep control of the tempo, setting up another scoring surge.
At the 8:44 mark, Sheaffer completed his hat trick, giving Webber a commanding 7-2 lead. Less than a minute later, Riley Small found the back of the net at 8:04, pushing the lead to 8-2. Webber was now in full control, with Reinhardt appearing visibly frustrated.
After a timeout from Reinhardt, Webber refused to take their foot off the gas. Loo struck again at 5:45, assisted by Connor Herring, to make it 9-2, and then tallied his third goal at 3:59 off an assist from Small to give the Warriors a staggering 10-2 advantage.
Reinhardt, unable to generate any sustained offensive pressure, continued to struggle with turnovers and ineffective ball movement against Webber's aggressive defensive approach.
Facing a massive eight-goal deficit, Reinhardt finally showed signs of life in the fourth quarter. Reid McDowell got the Eagles on the board at 7:14, cutting the lead to 10-3.
Reinhardt took advantage of a Webber penalty, as Marshall Cisco scored a man-up goal at 4:20, assisted by Shackelford, to make it 10-4.
The Eagles continued to push, forcing Webber into a few mistakes late in the game. With under a minute to play, Carter Garrison found the net at 0:56 off another Shackelford assist, bringing the final score to 10-5.
Despite Reinhardt's late push, the deficit was simply too much to overcome. Webber's commanding lead entering the fourth quarter proved to be the difference, as they successfully shut down Reinhardt's attack for most of the game.
