DIII Flames dominate Demon Deacons 25-3 in weekend sweep, led by Lemons’ seven goals

Saturday, October 26

Lynchburg, VA

10:15 PM

Liberty University Club Sports

Wake Forest University

Liberty players celebrate a goal in a season-opening series against Penn State on Oct. 12-13 at the LaHaye Ice Center. (Photos by Ryan Anderson)

DIII Flames dominate Demon Deacons 25-3 in weekend sweep, led by Lemons’ seven goals

10/28/2024 6:33:00 PM | Men's D3 Hockey

After opening its season by splitting a series with Penn State, Liberty cranked up its offense in a first-ever meeting with Wake Forest, winning the opener 14-0 and rematch 11-3.

Liberty University's AAU Division III men's hockey team excelled offensively in its first-ever faceoffs against Wake Forest over the weekend at the LaHaye Ice Center, winning Saturday's late-night series opener 14-0 before netting seven goals in the third period of Sunday afternoon's 11-3 triumph.

"For Wake Forest, these were their first games as a team as they just started a DIII program," Flames Head Coach Josh Wagner said. "We have a more experienced team and had a lot more chemistry. We're doing well offensively. Scoring 25 goals in two games is a lot. We've got to make sure that doesn't lead to bad habits."

Sophomore forward Zachary Lemons, a rookie from Snohomish, Wash., ignited the Flames' attack with four goals Saturday night and a hat trick in Sunday's rematch, scoring three of the Flames final five goals in the third period. He added two assists, including setting upsenior Luke Bessire's final goal with three seconds remaining in regulation.

Senior forward Eric Abbate contributed 10 points over the weekend with three goals and seven assists. Freshman Josiah Martinez and sophomore Caleb Burchette both scored twice on Saturday night with graduate Michael Williams tallying one goal on Saturday and two on Sunday.

Flames senior goalie Kian Haynes recorded the win in his first start for Liberty on Sunday, making 21 saves. The Flames outshot the Demon Deacons 61-24, including 26-9 in the second period and 24-9 in the third. Senior Kyle Wesbury earned the shutout on Saturday night, when Liberty outshot Wake Forest 57-12.

The Flames will travel to play the College of Charleston for its first road trip this Friday and Saturday before returning to the LIC to host Appalachian State on Nov. 8-9.

"We've got a couple injuries, but other than that, we're ready to go," Wagner said.

Liberty (3-1) started its season by splitting a home series with Penn State, which won the Oct. 12 opener, 5-3, before the Flames turned the tables in the Oct. 13 rematch, winning 3-1.

By Ted Allen/Staff Writer; Video edited by Patrick Strawn/Club Sports Director of Video & Media