Mars Hill, N.C. – North Greenville erased an early four-point deficit but a late surge from Mars Hill proved the difference as the Lions escaped with an 11-8 victory over the Crusaders.

The Lions jumped out to a four-goal lead before North Greenville’s offense got its wheels turning. The Crusaders scored three consecutive goals to cut the deficit to one. The Crusaders trailed 5-3 with 5:22 left in the second quarter before three unanswered scores, including a pair for Jake Foster earned NGU a 6-5 lead with 12:36 left in the third period.

MHU tied the game twice but NGU kept the upper-hand as Chris Wieckhorst scored with 4:58 left in the third to make the score 8-7. NGU’s downfall would be a scoreless fourth quarter. The Lions tacked on four consecutive goals, taking the lead with 9-8 with 9:44 while tacking on a pair of scores late to down North Greenville. 

Jake Foster led the Crusaders in scoring with five goals. Austin Dixon added a pair of goals in the loss. Logan Bryant led the team with 11 ground balls while Alex Proly had a team high three caused turnovers. Braeden Dixon finished with seven saves in the cage.

North Greenville fell to 6-8 on the season. The Crusaders will wrap up the regular season on Saturday afternoon at 1pm against Lees-McRae.