Marietta, GA – The 9th ranked Webber International Men's Lacrosse team opened Appalachian Athletic Conference play with a strong road win on Wednesday night, defeating Life 14-9 at Lupo Family Field in Marietta. The Warriors improved to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in conference action after using a fast first quarter, a decisive third-period surge, and a balanced offensive effort to take control.
Webber came out firing in the opening quarter, scoring six times in the first 15 minutes. After Life scored the game's first goal, the Warriors answered quickly and built a 6-4 lead by the end of the period behind multiple goals from Jeremiah Loo and Nick Sheaffer. Webber's early offensive rhythm helped offset Life's pressure at the faceoff stripe and set the tone for the rest of the night.
Life rallied in the second quarter, holding the Warriors scoreless while putting together a four-goal period to erase the deficit and take an 8-6 lead into halftime. But Webber responded in a big way after the break. The Warriors dominated the third quarter with five unanswered goals, including two man-up scores, to turn a two-goal halftime deficit into an 11-8 advantage entering the fourth. Isaiah Espaillat and Nick Sheaffer both capitalized on extra-man opportunities during the run, while Sam Shields and Jeremiah Loo helped drive the attack.
Webber added three more goals in the fourth quarter to finish off the 14-9 victory. Espaillat scored twice in the final period and Ethan Baker added the final goal of the night, while the Warrior defense limited Life to just one goal over the final 30 minutes.
Loo led the way offensively with four goals and four assists for an eight-point night. Sheaffer added three goals and two assists, while Espaillat finished with a hat trick, including the game-winner. Benjamin Sheldon scored twice and added an assist, Sam Shields contributed one goal and three assists, and Baker posted a goal and an assist. As a team, Webber scored 14 goals on 27 shots, put 19 shots on goal, and converted 3-of-6 extra-man chances.
Defensively, Liam Murphy played all 60 minutes in goal and made seven saves to earn the win. Malachi LaRue led the Warriors with six ground balls, Dane Angelillis added five, and Israel Miranda won seven faceoffs with four ground balls. Webber also forced eight caused turnovers and went 20-of-23 on clear attempts in a composed all-around performance.
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