Martiello Scores Six as Cobras Cruise to 13-7 SAC Win

GREENVILLE, TENN. – Mike Martiello scored six goals to lead the Coker men's lacrosse team to a 13-7 South Atlantic Conference victory on Saturday (Mar. 15). The win improves the Cobras to 2-1 in conference play and extends Martiello's streak of registering at least three points to eight games.

In addition to Martiello's six goals, Andy Campos netted three goals and handed out two assists for five points. Shane Wilson added two goals of his own, while Ryan Maurer found the back of the net one and dished out a team-high four assists. Timothy Smith scored a goal to move his goal streak to eight straight games. Lending helping hands on the Navy and Yellow's scores were John Bretton (3) and Patrick Timothee (1).

Dylan Marks caused four turnovers and picked up six ground balls to lead a smothering Coker defense. Tim Ryan was phenomenal in goal as he allowed a season low six goals and tallied double-digit saves for seventh consecutive game with 16.

Coker trailed after the first period 2-1, but would use a 4-2 second period scoring run to take a 5-4 lead into halftime. The second half would be all Coker as the defense clamped down and put an end to any offensive opportunities by Tusculum. The Pioneers would only score three goals in the second half, while the Navy and Yellow's No. 2 nationally ranked offense poured on eight goals in the final 30 minutes to secure a 13-7 victory.

Coker will make the second stop of its three-game road trip on Wednesday (Mar. 19) when they travel to Belmont Abbey College for a non-conference tilt with the Crusaders. Face-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Release written by Coker sports information graduate assistant Sharod Williams.