by Sports Information Student Assistant Zach Bigger
DALLAS - The Trine University men’s lacrosse team started their season with a loss for the first time under head coach Vinnie Lang, struggling early before failing to complete a furious rally on the way to a 10-8 loss to Whittier College (2-0). This was the first ever matchup between the Thunder and the Poets, and Whittier’s ability to attack in transition that ultimately proved the difference.
The game started off slow, with both sides struggling to move the ball around the perimeter, before Whittier’s Sam Russell got the first goal on the board. Despite have ample shot opportunities, the Thunder did not score until 4:50 to go in the second quarter. Whittier used Trine’s seven turnovers and strong clearing efforts to ignite their fast break on the way to a four goal quarter and extend their lead to 5-2 at halftime.
The Thunder refused to back down, adjusting at halftime and continuing a run that started late in the second quarter to go on a nine minute, four goal stretch to take a one goal lead late in the third quarter, 6-5. The run was highlighted by goals from seniors Andy Lauer (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern), Eric Thompson (Cumberland, Mich./Greely) and Blaine Stahley (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids). After a timeout, Whittier took back control of the game after a controversial slashing penalty on Trine’s Sam Swerdlow. The ensuing man-up opportunity goal by Foster Cunningham tied the game up at six all at 2:25 left in the third quarter.
After each team traded four goal quarters, the final quarter was owned by Whittier, extending its lead to four, 10-6 before the Thunder could respond. Even after taking away the transition game of Whittier, Trine failed to win the groundball battle all game long, as the +11 advantage (37-26) for the Poets proved too much to overcome. The Thunder finally answered with a fantastic finish off a deflected shot by Ryan Chait (Cincinnati, Ohio/Indian Hill), giving the Thunder a chance with three minutes remaining. Trine’s Dalton Madsen (Westminster, Colo./Northglen) getting in on the action with a quick goal to cut the lead to two with 1:24 left. However, the Thunder could not win the ensuing faceoff, and the Poets ran out the clock to win their second game in three days.
Both sides were superb in the clearing game, as Trine finished 19-for-21 while Whittier was 17-for-19. Trine had a balanced scoring effort, led by Thompson with two goals and two assists, and Stahley and Lauer with two goals each.
The Poets won the faceoff advantage 14-7. Trine finished 1-for-6 on man-up opportunities, Whittier 2-for-6.
The Thunder will finish their spring break trip when they take on Southwestern University on March 9th at 7 p.m.