The VMI Keydets men’s lacrosse team lost a close game to Le Moyne, 13-12, on March 14 in Syracuse, New York. The match at Ted Grant Field featured eight ties and nine lead changes, with the Keydets narrowly missing a comeback in the final minutes.
This game marked the start of Northeast Conference play for both teams. The result was significant as it set the tone for VMI’s conference campaign and highlighted the competitive nature of the matchup.
VMI started strong with an early 3-1 lead after goals from Jack Duncan-Bloom and two from Dayton Bagwell. Le Moyne responded by tying the score early in the second period before Bagwell completed his hat trick to put VMI back ahead. Both teams continued to trade goals throughout the contest, keeping the score close.
Bagwell scored his fourth goal early in the third period, reaching 70 career goals and becoming only the 18th player in program history to achieve this milestone. Warner Lewis also contributed significantly for VMI, earning a hat trick with his third goal late in the game. Despite these efforts, Le Moyne’s Connor Lukas scored what proved to be the game-winning goal with just under seven minutes remaining.
Statistically, VMI outshot Le Moyne 45-33 and won faceoffs by a margin of 15-13. Goalkeeper Lucas Winger made 13 saves for Le Moyne while Adam Norris had eight saves for VMI. Both teams committed 18 turnovers each during the match.
Looking ahead, VMI will continue its conference schedule on the road against Mercyhurst University next Saturday.
