BANNER ELK, N.C. –
Antonio Cruz set a new career-high with 21 saves, the most by a Bobcat since the 2017 season, but it wasn't enough as Tusculum won 18 of the 25 total face-offs to clinch the 17-6 non-conference victory this afternoon.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Tusculum – 17; Lees-McRae – 6
LOCATION: Tate Field – Banner Elk, N.C.
RECORDS: Tusculum (4-0), Lees-McRae (0-4)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Craig Barr scored two goals and had one assist to pace the Bobcats.
- Tyler Flannelly and Tyler Finley both finished with a goal and an assist, while J.P. Galloway and Mike Moore also scored.
- Tusculum outscored the Bobcats 4-1 in the first 10 minutes of action, including a goal just one minute into the contest, to take the early lead.
- Galloway, Flannelly, Moore, and Barr also scored in the second frame as Lees-McRae trimmed the deficit to 9-5 at halftime.
- The Pioneers scored the next seven goals to extend the lead before Barr scored his second goal of the contest with 3:36 left in the game.
- Tusculum added a late insurance marker to clinch the road victory.
- The Pioneers outshot Lees-McRae 38-17 and were 4 of 9 in extra-man opportunities.
- Cruz was credited with the loss in the net for Lees-McRae, making 21 saves on 38 shots on goal.
FOR THE FOES:
- Tristin Kirkham scored a game-high three goals to pace the Pioneers.
- Ross Geiger finished with seven saves in net for Tusculum, while Shawn Smith and Nick Adams both shared time in net.
UP NEXT:
The Bobcats will look to clinch their first win on the newly-converted Tate Field as they host Lander in a non-conference contest next Saturday at 2 p.m.
For more information on Lees-McRae Athletics, follow the Bobcats on Twitter (@LMCBobcats), on Facebook (Lees-McRae Athletics), and on Instagram (leesmcraeathletics).
