Utah MCLA, WCLA and NCAA College Lacrosse Recaps

By Dane Stewart, Megan Chambers and McKenzie Christiansen

Greetings, Utah Lacrosse enthusiasts! Within the confines of this article, we embark on an immersive journey delving into the intricacies of Utah College lacrosse, spotlighting its endeavors and triumphs throughout the current season and week.

Utah Lacrosse Report sponsors make this all possible. Visit our title sponsors Tribal West Lacrosse (website) & MinersTown Strength and Condition(website).

NCAA DI Men’s Lacrosse

Utah Utes

The Utes had a pair of road games this week, against conference foes Lindenwood and Mercer. Wednesday Utah took on Lindenwood and despite conceding the first goal, Utah’s dominance grew as the game progressed, jumping out to a 7-3 lead at the half. The second half saw the dominance continue as Utah sailed to a 17-5 win.

Ryan Stines had a hat trick in the first half, as Cody Hart also finished with a hatty. Redshirt Freshman Jake Likes scored his first and second career goals for Utah in the win (atta-boy Jake!). Colin Lenskold was solid once again, posting a .733 save percentage in the win.

On Friday, Utah was in Georgia to take on the Mercer Bears. For any of you Office fans, Bears may Beet Battlestar Galactica, but Friday it was Utah, Beats, Bears. A back and forth first half saw each team go on mini, multi-goal runs. At the break though, it was Utah that held a 9-6 lead after Jared Andreala scored with :08 left in the second quarter.

Speaking of multi-goal runs, Utah went on a 10-0 run over the third and fourth quarters as Utah found the separation they wanted and sailed to a 20-8 win. Jared Andreala scored 5 goals, while Stines added 4 more. Brady Grandstaff scored his first goal as a Ute in the contest. Colin Lenskold had his 5^th straight game with a save percentage .500 or better. 

Utah takes back to the road this week as they head out to Cleveland State to take on the Vikings. That game will be 10am on Saturday, April 20. 

NCAA DII Men’s Lacrosse

Westminster Griffins

Senior Day at Dumke Field saw the Westminster Griffins’ trying to get revenge for their only RMAC loss. Despite falling down 3-1 in the opening minutes, the Griffins went on 6-0 run to hold a 7-5 lead after the first.

Each team traded successful periods, as CU-Mesa led Westminster 9-8 at the half, only to see the Griffins take a 12-10 lead through the third period. In the fourth, it was early goals for each team as Westminster would hold a two goal lead until the final seconds, and the Griffins would hold on to a 13-12 win…the same score by which they lost at CU-Mesa earlier this year.

It was an incredibly balanced game, both teams had over 50 shots, both had 29 SOG. Other major statistical categories were even as well. In the end, Merrit McMahon had a Senior Day to remember as he scored 6 goals to led the Griffins.

With the win, Westminster is now tied atop the RMAC with CU-Mesa, as they’ll wrap up their conference play this week with games at Colorado State Pueblo Friday, and then at Adams State on Sunday.

MCLA Action

Division I

#1 BYU had another top-15 battle this week taking on #11 Colorado Thursday. The Cougars took care of business in the 14-8 win against Colorado, followed by a 13-9 win over Colorado State on Saturday. BYU handed both Colorado teams their first conference losses of the season, and continue to have the #1 scoring defense in the conference. 

BYU will be home to wrap up their regular season, hosting Utah on Tuesday, and then playing UVU at Zions Bank Stadium on Saturday. Both games are at 7pm.

Utah had a bye week this week. 

Utah will play @ #1 BYU Tuesday at 7pm, and then @ UVU Thursday at 7pm.

#5 Utah Valley had a pair of road games this week, taking on top 25 teams in #24 Colorado State and #11 Colorado. On Thursday the Wolverines jumped out to a big lead against Colorado State, leading 5-2 at the end of the first quarter. The Rams defense then found its groove as CSU would not allow a UVU goal through the second or third quarters, as the Rams would notch the 10-8 win. Blake Yates had 3 goals in the loss. On Saturday, UVU would take on Colorado. The Buffalos lead the entire first half, including 10-5 at the break. UVU would come back to tie it up 10, but ultimate CU held on 14-11 as UVU drops both games on the road trip.

UVU will be back home to take on Utah on Thursday, April 18 and then will wrap up the regular season Saturday, against #1 BYU at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman at 7pm.

Division II

#17 Utah State took to the road to wrap up their regular season. On Friday the Aggies fell to #11 Northwest Nazarene 16-12. The Aggies bounced back on Sunday with a 18-12 win over #24 Western Washington. The Aggies leading scorer on the year, Cooper Williams, had 5 goals in the win.

Utah State’s regular season is complete.

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NCAA DII RMAC Women’s Lacrosse 

#3 Westminster with a 5W-2L conference record and 5W-5L overall record for 2024 - In a gripping Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) matchup at Dumke Field, the Westminster University Women's Lacrosse team showcased resilience and determination, clinching a thrilling 12-8 victory over Fort Lewis College. The game unfolded as a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading blows until the fourth quarter when the Griffins surged ahead, outscoring the Skyhawks 6-1 to secure their second consecutive conference win. Leading the charge for Westminster was Shaina Shoughro, who delivered a stellar performance with four goals, including her 23rd goal of the season, igniting the Griffins' offensive charge. With the win, Westminster paid tribute to four seniors - Lindsay Thielen, Riley Weldon, Hannah Kelleher, and Maddie Kelleher - on Senior Day, culminating their collegiate lacrosse journey on a high note. Now, the Griffins turn their attention to their upcoming clash against Regis University, with the game set to be broadcast live on the RMAC Network, offering fans the chance to support Westminster as they continue their pursuit of success in the competitive lacrosse arena.

Westminster Griffins vs. Fort Lewis College, 12-8 victory for the Griffins.

RMWLL Region D2 - Women’s Lacrosse Standings in Utah 

#4 Utah Tech Recap in 2024  - Utah Tech women's lacrosse wrapped up their regional season ranked fourth in the RMWLL D2 region, showcasing their progress over the course of the season. Their journey began with a season opener against Southern Utah University on February 17th, setting the tone for their season. Competing in the Boise Classic, they faced tough challenges, including a loss to Boise State (4-17) but rebounded with impressive victories against Colorado School of Mines (14-8) and Northwest Nazarene (15-5). Their resilience shone through in a hard-fought away win against Northern Arizona University, securing a narrow 12-11 victory on April 6th, rounding out their season with determination and grit.

#7 Southern Utah with a 3W-6L season record for 2024  - Southern Utah women's lacrosse capped off their regional season with a commendable #4 ranking in the RMWLL D2 region, showing their competitive edge. Their journey began with a tough opener against the University of Denver (7-13), followed by a valiant effort at the Air Force Academy where they lost to Colorado State (4-11). However, they found their stride during a Colorado trip, clinching victories against the Air Force Academy(10-9) and Colorado School of Mines (15-7). Despite ups and downs at the Boise Classic, including a win against Northwest Nazarene (14-3) and a loss to Boise State (8-16), they faced tough challenges towards the end of their season, falling to Montana State University (5-13), the Air Force Academy (7-16), and Boise State (0-1). They are wrapping up their regional season with a special senior night matchup against the men's lacrosse team at SUU, a testament to their dedication and spirit, scheduled for April 17th at 7 pm.

RMWLL Region D1 - Women’s Lacrosse Standings in Utah 

#1 University of Utah with a 8W-2L season record and 5-2 division record for 2024  - The University of Utah women's lacrosse team showcased their capabilities as they entered the regional championships in Colorado over the weekend as the #1 team in their region. On Friday, they secured a solid victory against Brigham Young University with a final score of 17-13. Nyah Allen (#13) led the scoring charge with an impressive 5 goals, supported by Lilah Sage (#16) with 3. Olivia Lowe (#38) in goal provided a solid defensive presence. However, their momentum was halted on Saturday with a 7-11 loss against Colorado University, despite Nyah Allen's continued scoring prowess. Olivia Lowe remained steadfast in goal with 4 saves. Despite the setback, the Lady Utes have a remarkable season record of 8-2 and a division record of 5-2.

#3 Utah Valley University with a 6W-3L season record and 3-3 division record for 2024 - In their opening game of regionals, UVU women's lacrosse faced the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO on Friday. Despite a strong effort, they fell short, losing 13-16. Maya Lightfoot (#3) emerged as the top scorer for UVU during this game with 4 goals. This defeat marked a challenging start for UVU in regionals and the following day, they took on Brigham Young University, another tough match that ended in a close 8-9 loss. Rebekah Sheperd (#10) and Majena Horoba (#11) led the offense, while Victory Odhiambo (#39) showcased her defense skills in ground ball pickups. Beverly Jones (#24) guarded the goal admirably, unofficially tallying 16 saves on 25 shots. With these results, UVU now holds the #3 spot in the RMWLL region as the regional season comes to an end, boasting a season record of 6-3 and a division record of 3-3.

#4 Brigham Young University with a 6W-7L season record and a 3-4 division record for 2024 - Brigham Young women's lacrosse, led by head coach Summer Stephenson, made their mark at the regional championships in Boulder over the weekend. Despite a tough battle on Friday against University of Utah, ending in a 13-17 loss, Morgan Haws (#2) had an impressive 5 goals, supported by Lilly Hunt (#31) with 4. Maddie Edwards (#00) held the fort in goal with 12 saves. However, they bounced back on Saturday against Utah Valley University, securing a narrow 9-8 victory. Morgan Haws continued her scoring streak with 4 goals, aided by Tessa Frey (#5) with 2. Maddie Edwards once again proved her mettle with 10 saves. With these results, BYU now holds the #4 spot in the RMWLL region, and has their sights set on nationals in Wichita, Kansas, starting May 7th.

#5 Utah State with a 5W-6L season record and a 2-3 division record for 2024 -  Utah State women's lacrosse wrapped up their regional season holding the #5 spot in the RMWLL region. Lyndsie Thacker (#4) emerged as the top scorer for their regional season, tallying 25 goals, closely followed by Graysen Ellsworth (#7) with 21 goals and Lauren Siri (#23) with 18. Mary Jane Arrowood (#3) led in assists with 9 for the season. In ground ball pickups, Sidney Webb (#6) led the charge with 26, with Mackenzie Sulz (#12) close behind with 25. In goalkeeping, Carson Funk (#25) boasted a 48% save percentage for the season, while Elizabeth Fuller (#28) ended with a 41% save percentage, showcasing the team's defensive depth and resilience.