College Recaps and future games
Hey there, lacrosse enthusiasts! As the college season draws to a close, excitement is building up! The Women’s WCLA teams are gearing up for the National Championship, while the NCAA women's teams are locked in intense battles. And let's not forget about the Men’s NCAA, which is powering ahead with thrilling matches.
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University of Utah (DI NCAA)
The Utes are on fire! Picture this: they're in the thick of conference action, battling it out with Cleveland State, eyes set on that coveted conference crown. With six straight wins under their belt, including a jaw-dropping trio on the road, they're not just chasing glory; they're owning it.
Things might've started shaky with that initial goal against them, but then it was like they hit the turbo boost button, slamming down a monstrous 10 goals in the second quarter alone, leaving Cleveland State scratching their heads in disbelief. Jordan Hyde and Tyler Bradbury were on an absolute tear, netting a combined 8 goals, leading the charge to a resounding 16-7 victory. And talk about spreading the love – eight different players found the back of the net, showcasing Utah's depth and versatility.
But hold up, let's give a standing ovation to Nikko DiPonio! Not only did he scoop up a whopping 8 ground balls, but he also set a school record with 6 caused turnovers, a performance that's not just stellar, it's downright legendary. And let's not forget about Lenskold – dude's a brick wall in goal, boasting a save percentage over .600 for the third consecutive game and pulling off double-digit saves for the 10th time this season. That's consistency you can set your watch to.
And in the grand scheme of things, it's a nail-biter in the ASUN, with Jacksonville throwing a spanner in the works by taking down Air Force, setting up a three-way deadlock at the top. The conference tournament is looming, and it's anybody's game. Who'll snag that top seed? Only time will tell.
But hey, mark your calendars! The Utes are closing out their regular season in style this Saturday, April 27th, with a showdown against Queens College of Charlotte at Ute Field. It's Senior Day, folks – a chance to celebrate and send off the stalwarts who've poured their hearts and souls into this team. So, grab your gear, rally the troops, and let's show some love for our Utah heroes!
Westminster Griffins
The Griffin's week was nothing short of spectacular! On their road trip, they conquered not one but two opponents, showcasing their dominance and leaving no doubt about their conference standing.
In their clash against Colorado State – Pueblo, Westminster wasted no time asserting their authority, jumping to an early lead and maintaining their momentum throughout the game. Merritt McMahon was an absolute force to be reckoned with, netting an impressive 7 goals, while Daxton Jensen chimed in with 6 goals of his own, solidifying their victory in style.
And if that wasn't impressive enough, they followed it up with a statement win against Adams State, where they never once relinquished control. With a commanding lead at halftime, they only accelerated in the second half, unleashing a flurry of goals that left their opponents reeling. Merritt McMahon continued his scoring spree with another 5 goals, while Daxton Jensen and Joseph Celentano joined the party with 3 goals each, showcasing the depth of talent within the Griffin's ranks.
With such commanding performances, it's no surprise that Westminster has secured their ticket to the RMAC conference tournament. The anticipation is palpable as they prepare to take on their next challenge in the semi-finals, poised to continue their reign of dominance on the lacrosse field.
MCLA Action
Division I
Brigham Young University
#1 BYU Brigham Young University is riding high on lacrosse success! They started the week with a bang, steamrolling over Utah in a commanding 26-7 victory. Jake Halverson was on fire, slamming in 6 goals, making it look like child's play. And let's not forget Stu Vassau, adding another 4 goals to the scoreboard. Brigham Young University's offense was like a well-oiled machine, leaving Utah in their dust.
But the excitement didn't stop there. Saturday's showdown against Utah Valley University was a thriller, a top-15 clash that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Brigham Young University wasted no time asserting dominance, seizing a 5-1 lead early on. Despite a valiant effort from Utah Valley University, Brigham Young University held their ground, securing a hard-fought 12-10 victory.
Now, with the regular season in the rearview mirror, Brigham Young University's eyes are set on the prize. The RMLC conference playoffs are looming large, and Brigham Young University is ready to make their mark. Up next? A rematch against Utah Valley University in the semi-finals, and you can bet Brigham Young University's home turf will be rocking with excitement. Get ready for another epic showdown as Brigham Young University looks to continue their lacrosse legacy!
University of Utah Club
Utah's lacrosse season wrapped up with a pair of intense in-state showdowns, and while the scores might not reflect it, the Utes brought their A-game to the field. Despite falling to the formidable BYU squad with a score of 26-7 and facing a tough battle against UVU resulting in an 18-11 loss, the Utes displayed unwavering determination and sportsmanship throughout.
Even in the face of adversity, standout players like Junior Trevor Douglis lit up the field with an impressive performance, tallying 36 goals and 24 assists over the season. His skill and leadership were evident in every match, inspiring his teammates to push their limits. Not to be outdone, Junior Colin Warme showcased his prowess with 22 goals, contributing significantly to Utah's efforts on the field.
While the season may have come to a close for Utah, their journey doesn't end here. With their heads held high, they can reflect on the strides they've made and the challenges they've overcome. As they regroup and prepare for what lies ahead, the spirit of the Utes remains unyielding, ready to tackle whatever comes next.
Utah Valley University
Utah Valley dominated the field this week, leaving Utah in their wake with an impressive 18-11 victory. Porter Searle emerged as the shining star, showcasing his offensive prowess with a remarkable 7-goal performance for the Wolverines. However, the excitement reached a fever pitch on Saturday as the highly anticipated clash against #1 BYU unfolded. Despite UVU's valiant efforts, they found themselves trailing early, and despite a spirited second-half rally, they ultimately succumbed to a narrow 12-10 defeat against the top-ranked Cougars.
But fear not, for the Wolverines' journey is far from over! With the regular season now in the rearview mirror, all eyes turn to the upcoming showdown in the semi-finals of the RMLC conference playoffs. It's a rematch against BYU, this time on their own turf. Brace yourselves for another epic chapter in the UVU-BYU saga, where the Wolverines will stop at nothing to rewrite the narrative and claim their spot at the top of the conference standings!
Utah Tech University
Utah Tech University faced two challenging matchups over the weekend of April 6-7, both hosted at the University of Utah's venue in Salt Lake City. On Saturday, April 6th, they clashed with Colorado in a fierce battle that unfortunately ended in a 10-18 loss for the Utah Tech team. Despite their efforts, they couldn't overcome their opponents' offensive prowess. The following day, on Sunday, April 7th, Utah Tech returned to the field to face Colorado State, hoping to redeem themselves. However, they faced another setback, falling short with a final score of 10-19. Despite these defeats, Utah Tech displayed resilience and determination throughout both games, showcasing their competitive spirit and dedication to the sport. Utah Tech University season has came to a wrap.
Division II
Utah State University
In a thrilling climax to their regular season, #17 Utah State embarked on a tumultuous journey that saw them falter against #11 Northwest Nazarene, suffering a 16-12 defeat on Friday, only to rise resiliently on Sunday with an emphatic 18-12 triumph over #24 Western Washington. Led by the stellar performance of Cooper Williams, who netted an impressive 5 goals, the Aggies showcased their unwavering spirit and determination. As they bid farewell to the regular season, Utah State stands poised at the precipice of postseason glory, their indomitable resolve ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead on the lacrosse horizon.
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University delivered an impressive performance in their recent matchups, both held at the University of Northern Colorado's venue in Greeley, CO. On Saturday, April 13th, they faced off against Western Colorado in a commanding display of skill, securing a resounding 14-3 victory. Their dominance continued into the following day, Sunday, April 14th, when they took on Northern Colorado in an away game. Southern Utah University showcased their strength once again, clinching a convincing 15-5 win. With back-to-back triumphs, Southern Utah University demonstrated their prowess on the lacrosse field, highlighting their determination and teamwork. These victories serve as a testament to their dedication and mark a promising stride forward as they continue their season. The Thunderbirds season has come to an end.
Women’s College Lacrosse
NCAA DII
Westminster
In a spirited battle at Mountain Lion Stadium in Colorado Springs, Westminster (UT) faced off against UC-Colorado Springs in a hard-fought lacrosse showdown. Despite a valiant effort, Westminster ultimately fell short, with UC-Colorado Springs claiming a 10-6 victory. The game showcased impressive performances from both sides, with Westminster's Jordan Williamson and Shaina Shoughro each contributing two goals to their team's effort. However, UC-Colorado Springs proved to be a formidable opponent, led by standout performances from Emma Grace Martin, Julia Patrick, and Brielle Fannin, who each scored two goals for their team. Despite the loss, Westminster demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the game, exemplifying the competitive spirit of collegiate lacrosse.
Next- Dominican University of California Apr 24 (Wed) Salt Lake City, UT Dumke Field 7:00 P.M.
The WCLA (Women's Collegiate Lacrosse Associates) National Lacrosse Championships is an annual tournament that brings together club lacrosse teams from colleges and universities across the United States. The championship features teams competing in various divisions, providing an opportunity for players from non-varsity programs to showcase their skills on a national stage.
Throughout the tournament, teams compete in a series of games, with the ultimate goal of being crowned national champions in their respective divisions. The event typically spans several days and includes both pool play and elimination rounds, culminating in the championship games.
The WCLA National Lacrosse Championships offer an exciting opportunity for players to compete at a high level, celebrate the sport of lacrosse, and foster camaraderie among teams from different regions. It serves as a pinnacle event for club lacrosse programs and provides a platform for athletes to excel in the sport they love.
No. 1 University of Utah
No. 3 Utah Valley University
No. 4 Brigham Young University
No. 5 Utah State University
These Utah team await to play at the WLCA National Championship this May.