After the Utah lacrosse team (5-4, 3-1 ASUN) took a dominant win against Detroit Mercy last week, the Utes were battle tested against Jacksonville (6-4) this Saturday. It was a tough fight between the two teams almost the whole game, and it came down to the wire. The Utes would overcome several droughts in this high scoring game, winning 16-14.
First Half
Utes once again had to travel far, this time to Jacksonville, Florida. The game started off strong, with a goal from Ryan Stines just four minutes into the game to tie Jacksonville’s early start. Three minutes later, Justus Peterson would clock in another goal on his own to give Utah a 2-1 lead. Two minutes later, Stines would clock in another goal, followed by Jared Andreala, who was assisted by MJ McMahon. Zachary White found the back of the net, with Jordan Hyde following soon after. With just six seconds left in the first, Hyde would score another goal, but Jacksonville scored in just one second, bringing the quarter to a close with the Utes up 7-2.
In the second quarter, Jacksonville grabbed a quick goal before Hyde would answer and just three minutes in reach his third of the game. Colby Plotts grabbed another and Hyde would get another goal with ease just a minute sooner, with another assist from McMahon, to put the Utes up 10-3. Jacksonville scored again to narrow the gap but Hyde, not having it, scored Utah’s last goal of the first half for his fifth of the game, and after another answer from Jacksonville the half ended 11-5 in favor of Utah.
Second Half
The second half started with a three-goal run for Jacksonville. Stines would break the streak, with Tyler Bradbury scoring soon after. Stines found the back of the net yet again to answer Jacksonville’s next goal with five minutes left in the quarter before Bradbury scored soon after, and the rest of the quarter would remain scoreless. The quarter ended 15-9 with Utah in great position to close out the game.
Jacksonville started the fourth quarter out strong, scoring five unanswered goals to bring the score within one and make the Utes sweat. After some stellar defense and with just 26 seconds left, Stines scored an unassisted goal to clinch the game for Utah. Despite Jacksonville’s strongest attempts, the Utes were able to come away with the win on the road.
Stines and Hyde led the team in goals, scoring five each. Bradbury added two goals and four assists, leading the team in points with six.
Colin Lenskold was a key part of the game, with 13 saves today. This marks a total 277 through his career in just 25 games. Utah’s well-rounded offense and clutch last-quarter defense allowed the Utes to get a key win against a very formidable team.
Next Up
The Utes next task goes against Robert Morris this Friday at 6:00 p.m. MDT, at home in Rice-Eccles Stadium. You can stream the game online or come to support the Utes on MUSS appreciation day. Afterwards, the Utes take on a three-game road trip, hoping to compete for the ASUN chip. They are currently fourth in the conference.
