NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 4, Cumberlands 13
Records: Life U, 0-1 (0-1AAC); Cumberlands, 2-0 (1-0 AAC)

MARIETTA, Ga. - The Life University men's lacrosse team dropped its season opener to conference opponent Cumberlands early Saturday night. The contest remained close in the first half, but was all Patriots in the third and fourth periods.

Cumberlands opened the scoring in the contest only for the Running Eagles to answer five seconds later with faceoff man Christofer Tyson taking it all the way for the opening goal of the 2025 season. The teams contineud with a flurry of goals over the next few minutes of game action as the Patriots held a narrow 4-2 lead heading into the second period.

Josh Bell connected with Jacob Long for the first goal of the second period, pulling Life U back within one. The Patriots were held scoreless for the majority of the second until back-to-back goals just minutes apart gave them a 6-3 lead to take into the break.

The Running Eagles struggled to find footing in the third and fourth periods. The offense was held scoreless in the third period while the defense remained unable to slow down a stout Patriots attack. The contest concluded 13-4 in favor of the visitors.

Up next, Life U hits the road to take on Reinhardt on Friday, February 28. 

TURNING POINT:
--The Patriots defense shut down the Life U offense in the third period as the visitors carried a 9-3 lead into the final period.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Christofer Tyson led the Running Eagles with two goals .
--Colin Willis made 15 saves in net. 
--Life U won 14/21 faceoffs.