Lourdes closed out the non-conference portion of its schedules on Saturday afternoon, dropping an 11-7 decision to Cumberlands (Ky.) at the UC Soccer/Lacrosse Complex in Williamsburg, Ky.
 
"The team experienced some ups and downs in the game.  Throughout the week we realized our preparation and energy need to be better to compete against a talented team," head coach Patrick Yannarelli said.  "Even though we struggled the first half, some leaders emerged in the second half and we began to fight our way back into the game.  It takes awhile to gel as a unit and with the tough loss we learned about ourselves and are excited to regroup and pivot on Monday."
 
Cory Campbell (Dayton, Ohio/Bellbrook H.S.) accounted for the entire Lourdes offense in the first half, striking twice.  Cumblerlands outshot the Gray Wolves 24-10 over the first two quarters, including a 16-5 edge on goal, and build a 7-2 lead at halftime.
 
After the Patriots increased their lead to 8-2 early in the third, Lourdes clawed back with four straight goals.  Campbell tallied his third of the game before Drew Gilhooly (Livonia, Mich./Detroit Catholic Central H.S.), Chad Causley (Clinton Township, Mich./L'Anse Creuse H.S.), and Tyler Pezzot (Beavercreek, Ohio/Beavercreek H.S.) found the back of the cage to pull Lourdes within two, 8-6, with 8:25 to play in the game.
 
Cumberlands (2-4) tallied the next two goals though to push the lead back to four.  Despite a late goal by Nate Allan (Peterborough, Ont./Saint Peters Catholic H.S.), Lourdes was unable to complete the comeback.
 
Allan also had three assists for the Gray Wolves on the afternoon.
 
The Patriots finished the game with a 38-26 shot advantage as Tyler Queen (Odenton, Md./Arundel H.S.) made 12 saves for the Gray Wolves.  Michael Toohey made eight stops for Cumberlands.
 
Dylan Crouch led the Patriots' offense with four goals while Tanner Popovich added three goals and two assists.
 
Allan had a game-high eight ground balls for Lourdes while Causley added five more. 
 
Lourdes (2-1) will return home on Friday afternoon to begin Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference play, hosting Concordia (Mich.).  The opening faceoff is set for 4 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium.