Tenth Ranked Men’s Lacrosse Beats Messiah

Chris Crowley '20 in the goal (Photo courtesy of Gettysburg College Athletics)

Chris Crowley ’20 in the goal (Photo courtesy of Gettysburg College Athletics)

By Jack Herr, Contributing Writer

Lacrosse season is back! The No. 10 Gettysburg College Men’s Lacrosse Team defeated the unranked Messiah College Falcons 16-10 this past Saturday to start off their season 1-0. The game was closely contested in the first three quarters, each team scoring back and forth and playing very strong defense. However, in the fourth quarter, the Bullets quickly scored 6 straight goals to seal the victory.

It was a frigid 32 degrees during this early season game, but the sun was high in a cloudless sky while the teams battled on a freshly turfed Shirk Field at Musselman Stadium.

“Going into the game, the guys were very psyched to be able to play against a different color jersey,” said senior captain Brian Kolen, who scored a game high four goals. “Everyone was feeling very confident and excited to play against a good Messiah team.” After a long offseason, and a grueling two weeks of practice since February 1, the lacrosse team was simply excited to get out on the field and play the game they love.

The first half was a shootout, each team putting points on the board in quick succession. Defense was strong on both sides, neither team budging. Going into half time, the Bullets needed some inspiration. Kolen explained that the Bullets were “confident in the game plan” and just needed “to find their rhythm.”

The third quarter was more of the same, with an emphasis on tough defense. Senior Chris Crowley (who came in for Scott MacMillan ’22 midway through the second quarter) excelled as goalkeeper, allowing only two goals and saving eight crucial shots. With stout play in the cage, the Bullets erupted for 6 unanswered goals in the fourth quarter, while shutting the Falcons out defensively.

Kolen commended first year Kyle Howard, who scored three goals, for stepping up and showing exceptional “composure” in his first game.

While it was clear the team still has more to work on, their fourth quarter performance shows the potential they have for the rest of the season. The end goal, of course, is to bring the Centennial Conference championship trophy home to Gettysburg. However, Kolen reinforced that they need to approach each game individually, focusing on “getting a little better every day.”

The Men’s Lacrosse team had a strong 2019 season, finishing 14-5 overall. They were especially strong in the Centennial Conference, with a record of 7-1, and finished the season ranked #13 overall. However, they failed to take home the championship, losing 8-10 to Ursinus College in a tough battle. Coming into their 2020 season, the team has the potential to return to the championship stage and win it all for Gettysburg.

After an exciting first game and promising victory, the men’s lacrosse team will look to go 2-0 on Feb. 19 at Goucher College in Maryland. Next Saturday, the Bullets host No. 1 ranked Salisbury.

Author: Gettysburgian Staff

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