Franklin Springs, Ga. -- The Hawks topped Emmanuel 18-12 Wednesday afternoon for their first win of the season.

With the win, Shorter moves to 1-3 on the year; while the Lions slip to 0-4. The win also marks the first for the Hawks since the final game of the 2016 season.

Shorter jumped out to an early 3-0 lead as Tate Tatum, Samuel Buchanan, and Logan Miller each scored during the first five minutes of the game. Only to have Emmanuel answer with three straight to tie things up with six minutes to play in period. Shorter regained the advantage moments later as Chase Rogers found the back of the net while the Hawks were man-up. Both teams then added a goal during the final minute to give Shorter a 5-4 advantage at the end of the first.

The Hawks opened the second period with a goal from Miller, before the Lions tacked on one for the 6-5 score with 12:21 to play. From there, however, Shorter pulled away; tallying six straight to extend their lead to 12-5 at halftime. During the span, Miller scored twice; while Tatum, Morgan DeNoers, Jacob Woodard and Rogers each turned in a goal apiece.

Emmanuel outscored Shorter 4-3 in the third, to make it a 15-9 game; with Jordan Coates scoring twice for the Hawks.

In the fourth, Shorter made it a 16-9 game in the opening minute, only to have the Lions cut the lead to four, 16-12, on three goals. The Hawks then closed out the 18-12 win with two final goals – from Woodard and Buchanan.

In total, the Hawks held a slim 46-44 advantage in shots; including a 31-24 lead in shots on goal. Miller led the offensive effort for Shorter with four goals; while Rogers added three goals and an assist.

Garry Robinson and Richard Ticer split time in goal for Shorter, turning in three and nine saves, respectively.

Justin Parker and Alex Stull each finished with four goals for Emmanuel.

The Hawks will look to keep the momentum going Saturday as they welcome Mars Hill to Ben Brady Field for a 1:00pm start.