Belmont, N.C. - The Lenoir-Rhyne University Men's Lacrosse Team (0-1) made history in its first-ever intercollegiate match Saturday despite a 10-9 loss to Belmont Abbey College?(1-0) on the road.

Lenoir-Rhyne battled back from deficits of 6-4 at halftime and 9-7 after three quarters of play to nearly tie the match.

L-R freshman Anthony Mangili (Durham, N.C.), whose goal cut the margin to 10-9, almost tied the match with 22 seconds left but his shot hit the post and the Crusaders were able to hold on for the win.

Lenoir-Rhyne was led by freshman Tyler Kotch (Butler, Pa.) with three goals while freshman Levi Capron (Weddington, N.C.) added two goals and freshman Sam Ashton (New Market, Md.) dished out a team-high three assists.

Belmont Abbey's Tanner Scharr (Canandiagua, N.Y.) led all scorers with four goals while Nick Boylan (Canandiagua, N.Y.) added three assists in the winning effort.

Belmont Abbey held a 43-33 advantage in shots taken but L-R dominated face-offs as they won 18 of 21.

Lenoir-Rhyne junior goalkeeper Patrick Stasio (Williamsville, N.Y.) picked up 18 saves despite the setback.

Lenoir-Rhyne's first-ever home match takes place next Saturday, February 19, when it hosts Pfeiffer at Moretz Stadium beginning at 2 p.m.