DUBUQUE, Iowa - On senior night where the University of Dubuque men's lacrosse team already had at least a share of the Midwest Lacrosse Conference (MLC) regular season championship, the Spartans were looking to win the championship outright and the only team standing in their way was the Northland College Lumberjacks. The Lumberjacks came in with a record of 7-6 and 2-3 in conference play. The Spartans were looking to cap off an undefeated regular season in the conference with a victory. The Spartans dominate second half would lead them past the Lumberjacks tonight to finish undefeated in conference play at 6-0 and earn the #1 seed in next week's MLC tournament. 

What felt like a great start to the game for the Spartans leading 3-1 after the first period, quickly turned into the Lumberjacks scoring two quick goals to bring the score to 3-3. This was new territory for the Spartans as most of their conference games have not seen the Spartans tied or trailing at any point. The Spartans kept their cool and instantly responded with three goals in a matter of 1:13 of game clock to regain momentum into the halftime break. 

The momentum stayed with the Spartans into the third period as the Spartans outscore the Lumberjacks 6-1 to take a commanding 12-4 lead heading into the last period of play. With the outright championship in sight, the Spartans rallied four more goals to take the 16-4 victory and the outright MLC regular season championship in their inaugural season in the conference. 

Senior Gavin Hughes led the Spartans tonight with one goal and four assist for five points. Giovanni Silva also had five points off four goals and one assist. Ben Farraday tallied three goals and one assist on the night. Senior Noah Perry added two goals as well. The Spartans recorded 32-51 (.627) shots on goal and won 12-24 (.500) face offs. The Spartans collected 45 ground balls and were successful on 18-22 clears. Ryan Gartner got the win in goal as he played the first half allowing three goals and collecting one save. 

UP NEXT
The Spartans will not await the tournament seeding release for tomorrow, May 1. They will be the #1 seed facing the #4 seed on Wednesday, May 4 at a time yet to be determined at Oyen Field in Dubuque, Iowa.