Tar Heels Edge Bearcats Late in Thriller at Home

GREENWOOD - In front of a loud home crowd on Saturday, Oct. 4, the Lander Bearcats battled the UNC Tar Heels in a hard-fought contest that went down to the wire. Despite an inspired and physical performance from the Bearcats, UNC pulled away late to secure a 41-29 win.

The match was a back-and-forth affair from start to finish. Lander clawed back from an early deficit to tie the game, and even took the lead in the second half, before a late yellow card left the Bearcats down a player. The Tar Heels capitalized with two quick tries in the final minutes to seal the victory.

"We played with a lot of heart and physicality," Coach Buck Billings said. "But the penalties just caught up with us. Too many offsides calls, too many missed opportunities — and at this level, those moments matter."

Leading the charge for Lander was Job Madi, who earned Bearcat of the Match honors after scoring three tries and assisting another. Madi's relentless running and finishing ability kept the Bearcats within striking distance throughout.

Ethan Syswerda delivered one of his best performances in a Bearcat jersey — defending with aggression, carrying hard, and scoring a well-earned try. Ayden Braswell added another score for Lander, muscling across the try line with a strong push from Ethan Brown, showcasing the team's forward power and unity.

Off the bench, the Bearcats' "Bomb Squad" — Bryce Hollo, Derek Peebles, and freshman Leo Makosiej — injected fresh energy and physicality into the second half, helping Lander swing momentum and momentarily take control.

In the end, though, discipline made the difference. "We were right there," Billings said. "It was tied with about four minutes left. We just need to clean up the penalties and finish games strong."

Next up, the Bearcats travel to Conway to take on the nationally ranked Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in what promises to be another tough and exciting matchup.

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Players Mentioned

Ayden Braswell: Sophomore

Ethan Syswerda: Senior

Ethan Brown: Junior

Bryce Hollo: Sophomore

Job Madi: Graduate Student

Derek Peebles: Junior

Leo Makosiej: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Ayden Braswell
: Sophomore

Ethan Syswerda
: Senior

Ethan Brown
: Junior

Bryce Hollo
: Sophomore

Job Madi
: Graduate Student

Derek Peebles
: Junior

Leo Makosiej
: Freshman