ROME, Ga. - The Mount Olive men's lacrosse team delivered a historic performance on Saturday, recording a 25–0 shutout victory over the Shorter Hawks in conference action.
The win stands as the most dominant victory in program history, marking the largest margin of victory (+25) and the first shutout win ever recorded by Mount Olive men's lacrosse.
It also marked the second shutout of head coach Price's career. His first shutout came during his tenure at Mars Hill University, when his team defeated Warren Wilson Owls 21–0 on March 30, 2022.
With the victory, Mount Olive is now one of just three Division II programs to record a shutout this season and allow zero goals, joining Tiffin Dragons and William Jewell Cardinals, as the trio currently stands tied for the fewest goals allowed nationally.
Mount Olive wasted no time asserting control, scoring 10 goals in the opening quarter and holding Shorter scoreless throughout the contest. The Trojans added four goals in the second quarter and eight more in the third, never allowing the Hawks to generate sustained offensive pressure.
Offensively, Mount Olive showcased impressive depth, with 16 different players finding the back of the net.
Tyler Michael and
Benjamin Vanderkley led the way with three goals apiece.
Five Trojans added two goals each: Andrew Yozzo,
Jacob Driver,
Brighton Flowers,
Brayden Rieger, and
Julian Amick.
Nine players contributed single goals, including Micaiah Boyle,
Meet Patel,
Charles Gott,
Gannon Hackler,
Jake Pagliarini,
Trent Steele,
Sebastian Urrego,
Jason Falso, and
Chris Behrendt.
Pagliarini and Steele each recorded two assists, while Gott, Vanderkley, Anthony Carolino, and Rieger added one assist apiece as Mount Olive consistently moved the ball and capitalized on scoring opportunities.
Defensively, the Trojans were equally dominant, preserving the shutout and securing Mount Olive's first scoreless defensive performance in program history.
The 25-goal margin marked the Trojans' largest win ever, surpassing the previous high of +21 set in a 23–2 victory over Emmanuel (Ga.) on April 16, 2016. It also represented Mount Olive's first 20-goal margin victory since that 2016 contest, further cementing Saturday's result as a milestone moment for the program.
The Mount Olive Trojans will return to action on Saturday, March 7, traveling to Wilson, N.C., to face conference rival Barton Bulldogs at 3 p.m. in a key league matchup.
