DUBUQUE, Iowa - On yet another chilly and breezy night at Oyen Field, the University of Dubuque men's lacrosse team welcomed in-state and conference rival, the Cornell College Rams. The Spartans came into tonight's game with an undefeated conference record and sitting atop the conference standings, whereas the Rams sat one game back of the Spartans at 3-1 tied for second place in the conference. The Spartans offense would surge in the first half, scoring 13 of their 18 goals in the first 30 minutes to go on to defeat the Cornell College Rams by a final score of 18-5. 

As like other conference games this season, the Spartans have started off quick with their offensive attack as Zach Schmitt scored past the Rams goalie in under the first minute of the first period. Before the end of the first, the Spartans would total seven goals and lead 7-0. The Spartans were able to tack on six more in the second and shutout the Rams defensively to lead 13-0 at the break. In the second half, the Spartans would cease a bit scoring, but the game plan was still the same. Each team managed five goals in the second half as the Spartans took care of business on their home turf with a commanding 18-5 victory over the Rams. 

Freshman attacker, Giovanni Silva led the Spartans tonight with four goals and four assists to total a game-high eight points. Ben Farraday added four goals on nine shot attempts. Zach Schmitt and MLC Offensive Player of the Week, Aidan Culligan added two goals each. Defenseman Ryan Doyle caused four turnovers and added eight ground balls. MLC Co-Defensive Player of the Week, Dante Robinson continued his stellar defense with four caused turnovers and five ground balls. Ryan Gartner got the win in goal playing 36:43 and saving four shots. 

As a team, the Spartans shot 31-50 (.620) on goal and had 17-24 (.708) successful clears. The Spartans collected 43 ground balls and won 21-27 face offs on the night. 

With tonight's victory:

• Spartans clinch at least a share of the Midwest Lacrosse Conference title
• Spartans clinch #1 seed in conference tourney and will host semifinal game (head-to-head tie break over Lake Forest)

What's at Stake: Saturday, April 30 vs Northland

• Win on Saturday clinches outright Midwest Lacrosse Conference title
• Undefeated record in conference play

UP NEXT
The Spartans will look to cap off a perfect Midwest Lacrosse conference season in their first year with the conference when they host Northland College on Saturday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m.