Atlanta, Ga - Centre's Men Lacrosse took the win for their last home game of the season with a final score of 14-6 against Berry.
Centre came out strong in the opening period, controlling possession early and setting the tone offensively Centre struck quickly as Ryan Black found the back of the net off an assist from Thomas Tyack to open the scoring.
Berry responded almost immediately, with a goal from Tad Zappa to even things up. The Vikings continued to apply pressure and briefly took momentum when William Lee added another goal midway through the period.
Centre answered with a balanced offensive effort, generating multiple scoring opportunities and maintaining strong clears. Thomas Tyack regained the lead for Centre with a goal following a face-off win, and Ben Hubbs later added his first goal of the game to extend the advantage.
Defensively, goalkeeper Hayden Burns was a key defense factor with numerous saves to help keep the Vikings offense from growing, allowing Centre to take a 3-2 lead into the second.
The second period got off to an early start with both teams generating opportunities but struggling to consistently find the back of the net early on. Centre controlled much of the offensive pressure to start the period, firing multiple shots, but Berry goalkeeper Evan Cuffe made several key saves to keep the game close.
Centre eventually broke through midway in the period, as Hubbs netted his second goal of the game to give Centre a 5–4 lead. The momentum, however, quickly shifted after a Centre penalty led to a man-up opportunity for Berry, where Beirne capitalized to even the score.
Berry continued to push and regained the lead later in the period, with Zappa finishing off an assist from Duffy. Centre responded immediately once again, as Hubbs completed his hat trick with another goal to take the close lead 5-4 into the half.
Centre took full control in the third period, delivering a dominant offensive performance to break open a previously tight contest. After a strong defensive start that forced multiple Berry turnovers, Tyack sparked the scoring with an early goal to give Centre momentum.
That momentum quickly turned into a surge, as Centre scored three goals in rapid succession. Tatro and Black each found the net within seconds of one another, extending the lead and forcing Berry to regroup.
Centre continued to capitalize on possessions throughout the period, with Tyack adding another goal and playing a key role in the offensive attack. Graysen Jolly later contributed with a goal of his own, further widening the gap and putting the game out of reach.
Defensively, Centre remained solid, with Burns making several timely saves to shut down Berry's scoring chances and preserve the lead into the fourth.
Centre maintained control in the final period, closing out the game with a composed and efficient performance on both ends of the field. Berry struck early in the quarter, as Finn McClendon found the net to try and spark a comeback, but Centre quickly responded to halt any momentum.
Ryan Black led the way offensively in the fourth, scoring twice to extend Centre's lead and put the game firmly out of reach. His first came off an assist from Thomas Tyack, while his second followed a strong faceoff win and transition opportunity.
Centre continued to generate offense late in the period, with Holden Techet adding a goal off a Tyack assist, and Tyack capped off his strong performance with another goal of his own.
Berry added a late goal from Zappa, but Centre's consistent control of possession and balanced scoring attack secured the win as the clock wound down.
Colonels are back at home for the remaining of the season as they play Hendrix in their last game before Conference Tournament starts at the beginning of next month.
