LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College men's lacrosse (5-9, 4-3 SSC) secured a narrow 11–10 victory over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (7-7, 2-5 SSC) on Wednesday night at Berend Field. The Moccasins built an early lead with seven goals in the first half and held their advantage through a tense fourth quarter, despite the Eagles' six-goal surge. Florida Southern's goalie sophomore
Luke Secreti contributed significantly with 15 saves, while the offense capitalized on crucial faceoff wins, securing 15 out of 25. Embry-Riddle's effort included two extra-man goals, but it was not enough to overcome Florida Southern's early dominance.
Freshman
Elijah Terry led the scoring with four goals on 10 shots, including the game-winning goal. He assisted on a goal as well. Senior
Jacob Czyz made a significant impact at the faceoff circle, winning 14-of-21 faceoffs and contributing a goal and an assist. Junior
Maddux Walton added two goals and an assist while shooting five times on goal. In the net, Secreti recorded 15 saves out of 40 shots faced, helping secure the victory.
Florida Southern initiated the first quarter with energy, winning the opening faceoff as Czyz gained possession for the home team. Despite early turnovers, the Moccasins maintained their composure and were rewarded when Terry scored the first goal at 8:44, marking his 19th of the season.
Embry-Riddle responded with a goal from Leo Mileto at 4:49, leveling the score. Florida Southern quickly regained momentum with another goal from Terry at 1:12, followed by a score from Czyz shortly before the quarter closed, increasing his season tally to five.
The quarter concluded with Florida Southern leading 3–1, securing a two-goal advantage heading into the next quarter.
Florida Southern opened the second quarter by winning the faceoff, creating early offensive opportunities. Despite some initial saves by Embry-Riddle's Reid Kerr, Florida Southern's persistence paid off as sophomore
Luke Hawrish-Blight scored with an assist from freshman
Angus Walko at 8:14. This goal set the tone for a strong offensive stretch.
The Mocs continued to capitalize on their momentum with goals from Terry and senior
Jack Epley, and another goal by senior
Nolan Tighe extended their lead. The team's defense also held firm, with Secreti making key saves. Despite a late goal by Embry-Riddle's Lucas Anthony, the Moccasins maintained a 7–3 lead at the end of the half.
The third quarter opened with Florida Southern gaining initial possession through a successful faceoff by Czyz, but the team struggled to maintain momentum with a series of turnovers. Despite these setbacks, the team's defense, led by goalkeeper Secreti, demonstrated resilience with several key saves against the Eagles' attempts.
Florida Southern faced challenges in capitalizing on scoring opportunities, including a missed shot by Terry that struck the post. The quarter saw Embry-Riddle find the net once, narrowing the lead. The Moccasins continued to hold their advantage, maintaining a 7–4 lead as the quarter concluded.
The fourth quarter began with the Eagles narrowing the gap, scoring through Gavin Young and Christopher Harper to cut into Florida Southern's lead. Florida Southern responded effectively with goals from Walton and Walko, maintaining their advantage. Walton's scoring prowess was evident as he added another, assisted by Czyz, keeping Florida Southern ahead.
Despite Embry-Riddle's efforts, including a man-up goal by Pierce Montes, Florida Southern's Terry found the net, sustaining their edge. As the quarter wound down, the Eagles managed to score twice more, but Florida Southern's defense, anchored by critical saves from Secreti, held firm. The quarter concluded with the Moccasins preserving an 11–10 lead, securing the win.
Lucas Anthony emerged as a key offensive player for Embry-Riddle, netting three goals and providing one assist, with a notable five shots on goal out of eight attempts. Tim Keefe also made a significant impact with two goals on 11 shots, five of which were on target, showcasing his active role in the attack. Gavin Young contributed two goals and one assist, converting two of his five shots on goal. Additionally, Reid Kerr stood out defensively as the goalkeeper, making 14 saves on 33 shots faced, playing a crucial role in the team's defensive efforts.
In their next game, Florida Southern will compete in the Sunshine State Conference First Round on Saturday, April 18. Tonight's victory gives Florida Southern the No. 4 seed in the upcoming 2026 Sunshine State Conference Championship. The Mocs will host the No. 5 seed on Saturday, April 18 at noon.
