HIRAM, Ohio — The Brevard College men's lacrosse team battled through a pair of road contests in Ohio last week, falling to Wilmington 16-4 on Thursday, March 12 before dropping a close 11-9 decision to Hiram on Saturday, March 14
   
Against Wilmington, Brevard kept things tight early and even held a brief lead in the second quarter. Goals from Gage Khayat and Joseph Piazza helped the Tornados erase an early deficit, while Calvin Rivers opened Brevard's scoring with a goal assisted by Logan Southern. Khayat later scored again early in the second period, and Piazza gave BC a 4-3 advantage with 6:48 remaining before halftime.
 
Wilmington responded with a goal late in the second quarter to tie the contest before pulling away after the break. The Quakers erupted for seven goals in the third period and added five more in the fourth to secure the 16-4 victory. Wilmington was led by Garrett Reigelsperger's 10 goals, while Jameson Murray made 14 saves in goal for Brevard.
   
Two days later at Hiram, the Tornados delivered a stronger offensive effort and nearly completed a late comeback before falling 11-9. Brevard was paced by three goals each from Khayat, Colin Eifler, and Piazza, with Piazza also adding two assists for a five-point outing.
 
After Brevard jumped ahead 2-1 in the opening quarter on goals from Khayat and Piazza, Hiram closed the period with two goals to take a 3-2 lead and extended the margin to 7-4 by halftime.
 
The Tornados rallied in the second half, trimming the deficit to 10-7 late in the third quarter before Eifler scored twice in the fourth to bring Brevard within one at 10-9 with 6:19 remaining. Hiram answered just seconds later with a goal from Will Minggia to restore a two-goal cushion and hold on for the win.
 
The Tornados will look to open USA South play strong this week at Greensboro on Tuesday, March 17 at 7 p.m. before facing William Peace at home on Saturday, March 21 at 3 p.m.
 
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