Newberry Takes Down Top Seeded Wingate in Men's Lax Championship

ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – Newberry claimed the 2026 South Atlantic Conference Men's Lacrosse Championship on Sunday afternoon, defeating Wingate 15-11 at the Matthews Sportsplex.

The Wolves (13-4) built an early cushion and never relinquished control, using a balanced offensive attack and dominant ground ball play to secure the title.

Newberry placed five players with multiple goals, led by Matthew Burt's four-goal performance. Mason Carfello, Liam Vollans and Scott Williams each added three goals, while Ian Jackson chipped in two scores. Vollans also dished out two assists for a team-high five points.

Wingate (13-3) was paced by Joey Moran's three goals and an assist, while Sean Clark and Jack Murray each added two goals.

The Wolves came out firing, scoring the first four goals of the contest and taking a 4-2 lead after the opening quarter. Newberry extended its advantage to 7-4 at halftime, then used a decisive third period to create separation.

After Wingate trimmed the deficit to 7-5 early in the third, Newberry responded with a 5-1 run to push the lead to 11-6 heading into the final quarter.

Wingate made one final push in the fourth, cutting the margin to 12-9 midway through the period, but Newberry answered with back-to-back goals to regain control and close out the victory.

Defensively, the Wolves dominated possession, holding a 44-27 advantage in ground balls while forcing 17 Wingate turnovers. Newberry goalkeeper Ben McMullen recorded 16 saves in the win.

Wingate held a slight edge at the faceoff X (16-of-29), but could not overcome Newberry's efficiency and depth on the offensive end.

With the victory, Newberry secures the SAC Championship and earns the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

South Atlantic Conference All-Tournament Team

Donovan Powell, Lenoir-Rhyne

Radyn Badraun, Anderson

Neeco Cottage, Wingate

Vinny Butrico, Wingate

Joey Moran, Wingate

Ryan Morrison, Newberry

Matthew Burt, Newberry

Brian Lake, Newberry

Liam Vollans, Newberry

Ben McMullen, Newberry, MVP