COLUMBIA, Mo. - Columbia (Mo.) used a dominant second half to hand No. 8-ranked Lawrence Tech a 13-8 defeat Friday evening at R. Marvin Owens Field in Columbia, Missouri, erasing a four-goal first-quarter deficit behind a 6-0 run in the third quarter that proved decisive.

The Blue Devils controlled the opening 15 minutes, racing out to a 4-0 lead and ultimately building a 7-3 cushion late in the second quarter. Columbia, however, seized all the momentum after halftime, outscoring Lawrence Tech 6-0 in the third quarter to turn a three-goal deficit into a 10-7 advantage. The hosts then added three more goals in the fourth while holding Lawrence Tech to a single tally over the final 30 minutes to close out the comeback in the nonconference matchup.

Offensively, Lawrence Tech was led by Trevor Donohue and Parker Gannon, who each finished with two goals. Donohue scored once in each half and put five of his six shots on frame, while Gannon added an assist to his two-goal night and recorded six shots and two ground balls. Wyatt Salenbien sparked the early surge with the game's first two goals, and Brendan Shinavier and Luke Gannon each added first-half scores as the Blue Devils' balanced attack generated eight goals on 22 shots on goal from 44 total attempts.

Lawrence Tech's first-half execution was evident from the opening faceoff. Salenbien struck at 10:21 of the first quarter and again at 8:13 for a quick 2-0 edge. Shinavier pushed the lead to 3-0 at 2:41 before Gannon made it 4-0 with 1:47 remaining in the quarter. The Blue Devils briefly stretched the margin to 5-0 early in the second when Donohue finished a setup from Luke Gannon at 12:42. After Columbia answered with two goals, Parker Gannon's second and a late strike from Luke Gannon off a feed from Parker reestablished control at 7-3 with under a minute left in the half.

Columbia's late goal before halftime cut the lead to 7-4 at the break and set up the turning point in the third quarter. Lawrence Tech was held scoreless in the frame while Columbia scored six unanswered, tying the game at 7-7 just 3:39 into the quarter and taking its first lead at 4:06. By the closing seconds of the third, the Blue Devils suddenly trailed 10-7, and Columbia carried that momentum through the fourth despite an early response from Donohue that briefly drew Lawrence Tech within 10-8 with 12:55 to play.

Statistically, Lawrence Tech matched Columbia in several areas but could not capitalize on key possessions as the game wore on. The Blue Devils finished with 44 shots to Columbia's 45 and put 22 on goal. Lawrence Tech also held a 14-9 advantage at the faceoff X and collected 32 ground balls. Both goalkeepers recorded 14 saves, but Columbia's defense forced 33 Lawrence Tech turnovers, limiting extended offensive rhythm in the second half. The Blue Devils were also unable to convert on the man advantage while allowing three power-play goals.

Despite the setback, the Blue Devils showed the offensive potential and faceoff strength that helped earn their No. 8 national ranking, particularly in a first half that saw Lawrence Tech dictate tempo and possession. The performance in the opening 30 minutes provides a foundation as the Blue Devils continue their non-conference slate, with opportunities ahead to build more complete 60-minute efforts against future opponents.The Blue Devils will continue their road trip to start the season as they travel to William Woods University (MO.) this Sunday.