Led by playmaker David Culliton's two hat-tricks, Lowcountry Prep School hosted a trio of nail-biters this past weekend as it kicked off its varsity soccer season with its annual Grayman Invitational Tournament.

Wednesday afternoon Lowcountry played Glenforest Academy of Columbia to a 4-4 tie in regulation.

After two scoreless overtime periods, Glenforest edged Lowcountry on penalty shots (4-3). Culliton had three goals on assists from striker Leldon McClary (2) and Chandler Lee. McClary capped the scoring with put-back off of Glenforest's goalkeeper.

On Friday Lowcountry found itself down 3-0 at half-time to Calvary Christian of Myrtle Beach.

Two goals by Culliton, one on an assist from McClary and a penalty kick when McClary drew a foul in the area, brought Lowcountry within striking distance. Two late goals by Calvary, though, put the game out of reach.

Lowcountry finally secured its first win with a 5-3 victory in overtime over Conway Christian Academy on Saturday. This time Culliton was responsible for all of Lowcountry's scoring in regulation with two unassisted goals and a third off of a through pass by midfielder Hampton Peace.

Culliton scored again in overtime with a tap-in off a brilliant cross from left wing Tung Tran. McClary again capped the scoring with a penalty kick and the defense, led by senior captain Cooper Lammonds, made those two goals stand up under Conway's furious onslaught in the closing minutes.

In other games, Marlboro Academy from Bennettsville, the only AA school in the tournament, defeated Conway Christian 6-0 on Friday and Calvary Christian 7-0 on Saturday to claim the Grayman title.

Lowcountry was to play Marlboro in Bennettsville on Tuesday and Waccamaw Academy on Thursday.

-- Submitted by Gary Gates