University of Lynchburg

Lynchburg, Va. -- In an exciting back-and-forth battle, the University of Lynchburg men's lacrosse team scored twice in the final few minutes of the contest to outlast Grove City, 16-15, on Saturday afternoon at Shellenberger Field and advance to the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

The men's lacrosse team earned a hard-fought victory to stay alive into the third round of the national tournament for the fourth consecutive season. Down one with less than three minutes to go, ODAC Offensive Player of the Year Riley Hastings netted the equalizer. Then, 45 seconds later, Hastings dished to fellow senior Spencer Vandenberg, who convincingly buried the game-winning shot.

The Hornets opened the scoring when Finn Schmidt finished a feed from Spencer Vandenberg, but Grove City answered quickly to tie the game. Riley Hastings and Schmidt each added first-quarter goals as Lynchburg built a 4-3 lead, though Grove City scored late in the period to even the game at 4-4 after one.

Lynchburg regained the lead early in the second quarter on an unassisted goal from Kayden Hinchey before Vandenberg added another off an assist from Kolbe Haug. Grove City responded with a run to move ahead 8-7 late in the quarter, but Will Rubley scored in the final two minutes to tie the game at 8-8 entering halftime.

The back-and-forth battle continued in the third quarter. Luke Meadows gave Lynchburg a 9-8 lead off a pass from Hastings, but Grove City answered with consecutive goals to regain the advantage. Vandenberg scored twice during the period, including a goal assisted by Meadows, helping the Hornets take an 11-10 lead before Grove City tied the contest again in the final seconds of the quarter.

Grove City opened the fourth quarter with another goal to move ahead 12-11, but Kolbe Haug answered off an assist from Finn Schmidt. Liam Holman later gave Lynchburg a 13-12 lead with an unassisted goal before Grove City scored twice to regain the advantage. Haug tied the game again off a feed from Hastings, and after Grove City moved ahead 15-14 with 3:20 remaining, Hastings scored with 2:55 left to even the score. Just 45 seconds later, Vandenberg finished a pass from Hastings for the game-winning goal.

Vandenberg and Hastings each recorded four goals, with Hastings adding three assists. Schmidt and Haug both scored twice as Lynchburg outshot Grove City 41-40 and collected 36 ground balls in the victory.

The Hornets are set to square off against York tomorrow, Sunday, May 10 for the third round of the NCAA Tournament on Shellenberger Field at 3 p.m. For information on admission, live stream, live stats, and more, visit the Lynchburg NCAA Tournament Pod Information Page.

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.

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