MCLA Day 2: RMLC Makes Strong Statement
by Jac Coyne | Lacrosse Magazine Online Staff
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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Rocky Mountain Lacrosse
Conference made a strong claim to the title of best league in the
MCLA in both divisions on Wednesday. Combining both tiers, the RMLC
went 4-0 on the day, including two of the biggest upsets in the
tournament so far.
On the senior circuit, No. 11 Colorado used some ill-advised
late-game play by No. 6 Oregon to pull out a 9-8 overtime decision.
Trailing by a pair of goals late in the game, the Buffs stormed
back to tie the contest, sending it into extra time. Early on, the
Ducks had a chance to win it, but CU goalie Bradley Macnee made a
clutch stop and quickly transitioned Colorado on the break,
resulting in the game winner.
In the other D-I contest, No. 9 BYU picked up another win for the
RMLC by racing out to an early lead on No. 8 Michigan State and
coasting home with the 13-8 victory.
In Division II, No. 10 Westminster pulled off the biggest stunner
of the tournament so far, going toe-to-toe with No. 2 Dayton,
eventually knocking off the Flyers, 14-11. Tied at 11 with just
five minutes remaining, the Griffins netted three unanswered goals
to clinch it. Josh Condas had four goals to lead Westminster while
Dallas McLellan posted a sterling effort in net.
No. 3 Utah Valley continued its high-wire act, pulling out another
one-goal victory. After barely squeezing past No. 14 Briarcliffe on
Tuesday, the Wolverines slipped by No. 6 St. John’s, 9-8, on
a goal with five seconds remaining in the contest.
In other action, the CCLA pared its number down to one team
remaining after No. 5 Davenport defeated rival Grand Valley State,
6-5, in a game that, somewhat surprisingly, featured dominant
defenses. Defending champion St. Thomas breezed past Grove City,
another CCLA representative, 16-6, to round out the day’s
action.
As of now, there are four quarterfinal games in Division I set for
Thursday afternoon and evening. In the 4 p.m. games, No. 5
Minnesota-Duluth takes on No. 4 Chapman while No. 3 Arizona State
faces No. 11 Colorado. The nightcaps will feature No. 9 BYU versus
No. 1 Michigan and No. 10 Simon Fraser against No. 2 Colorado
State.
