Hawks knock off Methodist, remain unbeaten in USA South

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Senior Kendrick Ballard scored on an assist from Adrian Harper in the final minute on Saturday to help the Huntingdon men's lacrosse team down Methodist 7-6.

Following Ballard's goal with 41 seconds to play, junior Sam Hitt won the final faceoff of the game and the Hawks ran out the clock.

This was the fourth one-goal victory for Huntingdon this season and the third time Ballard has delivered the game-winning goal.

The win snapped a three-game losing streak to the Monarchs and helped Huntingdon (12-2, 5-0 USA South) remain unbeaten in USA South Athletic Conference play. With one conference game remaining, the Hawks have clinched at least a share of a regular-season conference title. This is the first season the USA South has sponsored men's lacrosse.

Huntingdon never trailed on Saturday, but the Hawks never led by more than two goals. Huntingdon led 2-1 at the end of the first quarter and 4-3 at halftime. The score was tied 5-5 at the start of the fourth quarter.

Austen Saucier scored to give the Hawks a 6-5 lead with 11:51 left in the game before the Monarchs answered and tied the game with 3:37 to play.

Ballard finished with three goals and Saucier scored two goals. Bryce Coates and Miles Stading each scored one goal. Harper had two assists and Zach Barnhill had one assist. Mac Puller and Tyler Keiser each had four ground balls.

Hitt, who leads Division III in faceoff wins this season, was 12-for-16 on faceoffs and had a team-high 10 ground balls. Hitt is 188-for-273 on faceoffs this season.

Goalie Matt Murphy recorded 13 saves in 19 shots on goal.

Records: Huntingdon (12-2, 5-0 USA South); Methodist (4-7, 2-3 USA South)

Coming Up: Huntingdon hosts Shorter on Wednesday at 6 p.m.