YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Thomas Semple scored three goals to lead the Young Harris College men's lacrosse team to a 13-12 decsion over Embvry-Riddle (Fla.) University in the home opener at the YHC Soccer and Lacrosse Field Monday (Feb. 17) afternoon.

The Mountain Lions improved to 1-2, while the Eagles fell to 1-3. It also marked the first career win for YHC head coach Jay Goldsmith. Young Harris returns to action Saturday (Feb. 22) at 1 p.m. as they host Saint Leo University.

Embry-Riddle took a 1-0 lead 14 seconds into the match, but the Mountain Lions would score the next seven goals - six different players found the back of the next during the run - to take a 7-1 lead on a Semple goal off a Cody Bielec assist with 8:05 to play in the second quarter. 

YHC held a 9-6 lead at the half before the Eagles tied the game at 10 on a Michael Forte goal with eight seconds left in the third quarter. The Mountain Lions regained control in the final period as they scored three straight goals. Jimmy Martelli gave YHC the lead for good at 11-10 with 13:18 remaining in the fourth before Beau Henson and Semple added insurance goals to give Young Harris a 13-10 lead with 4:29 left.

Embry-Riddle got within a goal at 13-12 as Coleman Jacobs and Marcus Needham found the net, but the Eagles were turned away from sending the game into overtime as YHC goalie Bryce Parrish made a nice save as time expired on Jacobs shot.

Semple led YHC with three goals, while Bielec, Jimmy Johnston, Henson and Ryley Zopfi had two each. Sam Gasta and Martelli each found the net once. Bielec collected two assists, while Gasta, Johnston, Martelli, Chandle Seabolt, Semple and Daniel Zimny had one each.

Zane Zacharias has four ground balls for the Mountain Lions, while Tyle Oglesby. Zimny and Patrick Phelan each scooped up three. Oglesby, Gasta and Zacharias each caused two turnovers.

Parrish turned away 14 shots between the pipes for Young Harris.