ROME, Ga. - The Davis & Elkins Men's Lacrosse team started their season on the road against Shorter University on Thursday night (February 9) in a closely contested match, but ultimately fell short with a 11-15 final score.

The opening half saw the Senators keep the score within reach, with their first goal coming with eight minutes to play in the first quarter from Sophomore Austin Derx with an assist from Senior Nolan Morrison to make it a 2-1 game in favor of the Hawks. Then, in the waning minutes of the first quarter D&E scored twice in the last minute, Morrison found net with an assist from Freshman Tre Turner, then Sophomore Cooper Jackson went solo to tie it up at 3-all. 

The second quarter saw the Senators take the lead in the game, going up 6-5 on another goal from Morrison off a Josh Allegra assist. Unfortunately that would be the only lead for D&E as things began to trend downward off of untimely penalties and undisciplined play, as Shorter jumped out to a 6 score lead. Late goals from Jackson and Morrison weren't enough to overcome the deficit.

Some positive news from the field of play came in the form of Freshman Midfielder Xzavier Jankowiak, who as recently as 2 years ago wasn't sure he would be able to walk again let alone play collegiate Lacrosse after a devastating car accident left him severely injured. He ended the game taking two shots, one on goal and controlled four ground balls. 

"The score wasn't in our favor tonight but there are still a lot of positives. We showed spurts of what we can do on both ends, but we need to focus on making simple play after simple play and not trying to do too much, " said first-year Head Coach Mikey Zadroga after the game. "We will shake it off, and get ready to compete again on Saturday taking it one play at a time."

Scoring summary: Morrison (3), Jackson (3), Derx (3), Lontayo (2)

Up Next

D&E will take on Keiser University in Rome, Georgia on Saturday, February 11 at 12:00pm EST.