YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | The Young Harris College men's lacrosse team battled until the final minute but fell just short in a 16-15 loss to Emmanuel in a Roar War showdown Tuesday evening.
Young Harris (2-9, 1-3 CC) controlled much of the night offensively, outshooting Emmanuel 51-29 and holding a 47-26 advantage in ground balls, but the Lions scored the final two goals of the game, including the game-winner with 43 seconds remaining, to secure the victory.
The Mountain Lions came out fast, jumping to a 4-0 lead in the opening minutes behind goals from Colburn Connelly, James Collins, Gunnar Fagerstrom, and another from Connelly. Emmanuel responded with a 5-0 run to close the first quarter and take a 5-4 lead.
After trailing 9-7 at halftime, Young Harris surged in the third quarter. Goals from Knox Holston, Indiana Crawford, and John McElhenny helped the Mountain Lions even the score at 11-11 heading into the fourth.
The back-and-forth battle continued late into the final period. Young Harris took a 15-13 lead with 4:26 remaining following a goal from McElhenny, but Emmanuel answered with three straight goals in the final minutes to complete the comeback and escape with the 16-15 win.
Connelly led the Mountain Lions with four goals, while McElhenny and Holston each added three. Crawford and Fagerstrom both scored twice, and Grady Stokes dished out a team-high three assists.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
• Young Harris outshot Emmanuel 51-29 and held a 27-20 edge in shots on goal.
• The Mountain Lions won the ground ball battle 47-26.
• Colburn Connelly led the team with four goals on 12 shots.
• John McElhenny and Knox Holston each scored three goals.
• Grady Stokes recorded three assists.
UP NEXT:
Young Harris continues Conference Carolinas play in its next scheduled matchup as the Mountain Lions look to bounce back.
