MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. - The No. 14 ranked University of Mount Olive men's lacrosse team defeated Catawba University 18-7 in non-conference action on Saturday afternoon in Mount Olive, North Carolina. 

INSIDE THE SCORE
The showdown between both teams was off to a slow start until Blake Tallon scored the first goal with 12:59 left in the first quarter. The Mount Olive Trojans gained a steep lead as they scored seven goals in the first 21 minutes of the first half. Catawba was able to get on the score board and ended the first half with a score of 9-2, Trojans in the lead. 
 
The Trojans kept a strong lead throughout the game as the Indians were not able to handle the pressure Mount Olive brought. Catawba started off the second half with two goals in a row, but Mount Olive was able to outscore Catawba in the third quarter 6-3.

In the last quarter of the game, Mount Olive brought on the heat and secured the win 18-7.

MOUNT OLIVE LEADERS
The Trojans were led by Lucas Shein recording three goals and one assist. The Trojans saw Aidan Lalonde, Mike Marto, Matthew Ateshian and Tallon each had scored two goals. Goalkeeper, Andrew Avarello, had eight saves earning another win. The Trojans saw seven other goal scorers to contribute to the win. 

CATAWBA LEADERS
The Indians were led by Matt Mitchell with three goals and Tucker Fanzo with two goals and one assist. 

KEY MOMENT
The key moment of the game was when Mount Olive held Catawba scoreless for over 21 minutes of the competition.
 
COACH'S COMMENT
"Catawba is always a very tough, well coached team. We prepped hard for them all week and I was glad to see so many of our players contribute today," said Head Coach Mike Murphy.

UP NEXT
Mount Olive with return in action on the road on February 19, at 1 p.m. in Charlotte, North Carolina taking on the Royals of Queens University.