Crusaders surprise Limestone
STAFF REPORT

Limestone's Allen Vaughn tries to free himself from a Belmont Abbey defender during first quarter action of the conference tournament championship game on Sunday.

The Belmont Abbey Crusaders shocked the No. 3- ranked Limestone College Saints in the Conference Carolinas Championship Sunday when Michael Brown scored with 11 seconds left to lift his team to the 11-10 victory.

It marked the first time since 1999 that Limestone (12-1 overall) has not won its conference tournament title.

Belmont Abbey, making its first appearance in the conference men's lacrosse final game, improves to 9-4 on the season.

The Saints took an early lead with two goals from Justin Haworth, but Jedd Gardner cut Limestone's lead to one with his goal 12 minutes into the first period.

The Crusaders had four unanswered goals for the 5-3 advantage at halftime.

Limestone came out firing in the third quarter, with goals from Mike Poerstel and Brendan Storrier. But the Saints still trailed Belmont Abbey 8-7 going into the final quarter.

With the game tied at 10, Brown's goal in the final moments won the contest for the Crusaders.

Limestone outshot Belmont Abbey 35-33.

Storrier had five points with four assists and a goal.

Haworth tallied five points for Limestone from four goals and one assist. A.J. Vaughn recorded a hat trick for the Saint.

Goalkeeper James Tuohy posted 10 saves for the Saints.

Brown led the Abbey with four points with three goals and an assist. Brian Watson recorded a teamhigh three assists.

The tournament's Most Valuable Player, Mark Kelske, had 10 saves.

Limestone heads to Salisbury, N.C., to face Catawba next Saturday at 7 p.m. in its final regular season contest.