DEMOREST, Ga. – The Berry Men's Lacrosse team opened their 2025 season in a tightly contested matchup against Piedmont, ultimately falling just short with a score of 13-14.

The Vikings struggled early, allowing Piedmont to score 4 unanswered goals before freshman #18 Tyler Gabrielse found the net at the beginning of the second quarter, breaking the drought. However, the Vikings continued to face challenges as Piedmont added another 4 goals, leaving Berry trailing 2-8 at halftime.

The turning point came in the third quarter when the Vikings finally began to find their rhythm. An early goal from #3 Joey Cuthbert, assisted by #14 Finn McClendon, sparked a resurgence, and the team rallied to score 4 consecutive goals, narrowing the deficit to 6-8. The face-off unit, led by #1 Caleb Johnson, #4 Mitch Badciong, and #36 Robert Fenters, played a significant role, winning 17 out of 30 face-offs and creating a dominant make-it-take-it scenario.

By the end of the third quarter, the Vikings showcased their determination, tying the game 10-10 with an unassisted effort from #22 Owen Morini, setting the stage for an exciting fourth quarter.

Unfortunately, the Vikings struggled to maintain their momentum in the final quarter. They made key mistakes that allowed Piedmont to score two quick goals, giving the Lions a 12-10 advantage. Despite their best efforts to mount a comeback, including a critical turnover forced by #8 Ben Rosenbloom, the Vikings were unable to equalize, and the game concluded with a narrow 13-14 defeat.

Berry Men's Lacrosse will seek redemption in their next match against Washington College on February 15, which will take place at Washington College.