Lynchburg, Va. -- Attackman Will Rubley played the role of hero in the University of Lynchburg's 14-13 win over Denison on Saturday at Shellenberger Field, scoring the game winning goal with five seconds left on clock.

The No. 5/4 Hornets (4-0) earned their fourth straight win and third win over an opponent receiving votes in the national coaches poll with today's victory over the RV Big Red (2-4). After Denison tied the score at 13 apiece with one minute to go, Lynchburg gained possession following a faceoff win by Riley Frankel and held onto it for the final look. With little time left, Rubley took it from behind the cage and drew a double team at goal-line-extended. Powering through the hits, Rubley turned and shot on top of the crease to put it past the keeper for the game-winner.

The Hornets opened the game with early momentum as Liam Holman scored the first goal of the afternoon before assisting Spencer Vandenberg to give Lynchburg a 2-0 lead. Denison responded with three straight goals, but Cole Oprandi tied the game and Riley Hastings followed with a goal off a feed from Vandenberg to give Lynchburg a 4-3 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Denison briefly took control in the second quarter, building a 5-4 lead before Lynchburg answered. Will Rubley tied the game with a goal assisted by Hastings, and Vandenberg and Cam Ash each added goals to push the Hornets ahead 7-5. Denison added a late goal to cut the deficit to 7-6 at halftime.

Lynchburg extended its lead in the third quarter when Mark Rubley scored early, and Holman added a man-up goal assisted by Hastings. Hastings later scored off an assist from Riley Frankel as the Hornets built a 10-7 advantage. Denison responded with two goals late in the period to narrow the margin to 10-9 heading into the fourth quarter.

The final quarter featured several lead changes. Denison scored twice to take an 11-10 lead before Will Rubley tied the game. Holman scored on a man-up opportunity to give Lynchburg a 12-11 advantage, but Denison answered with two more goals to even the contest at 13 with one minute remaining.

With just five seconds left, Rubley delivered the game-winning goal to seal the 14-13 victory for the Hornets. Holman, Hastings, and Rubley each finished with three goals for Lynchburg, while Vandenberg added two goals and an assist. Hastings also recorded two assists to lead the team with five points. Lynchburg held advantages in shots (42-34), ground balls (37-25), and faceoffs (20-11) in the victory. Eric Allen earned the win in goal with four saves over 60 minutes.

Lynchburg returns to action this weekend for the Mustang Classic, where the Hornet will face top-tier competition in No. 2/2 Christopher Newport on Friday, March 13 at 11 a.m. and No. 10/9 Gettysburg on Saturday, March 14 at 11 a.m.

Visit Lynchburg athletics' home online, LynchburgSports.com, anytime for up-to-date news on all Hornets sports and coverage from the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network.

Sign up here to receive Lynchburg Sports news in your email inbox.

Give Lynchburg Athletics a like on Facebook, and follow Lynchburg Athletics on Instagram and X. Read Full Article