The CMU men’s lacrosse team finished regular season play as RMAC champions. The CMU men’s lacrosse team was 8-2 going into their final game of the regular season. They faced off against Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah 7-3 going into Saturday) on Saturday for a second time this season. Earlier this season these two teams went into over time in which CMU took the win. In their final game of the regular season, Colorado Mesa Men’s Lacrosse claimed victory on the day.
CMU’s Coach Smith said the team was prepared for a win. A final score of 15-8 for the team’s Senior Day and final game of the season shows the Mavs took to the field to win. On point for the victory, faceoff man Michael Marino edged out the opponents on the face-offs. CMU offense kept the Westminster goalie uncomfortable all game with numerous shots. CMU goalie Remi Reeves joined the shootout with a clear and a shot an attempt to score entirely of his own effort. CMU outshot Westminster 50-29. Steve Brandenburg scored goal number 50 of this season and had a hat trick.
The game started fast with early goals on both teams. CMU’s offense kept on shooting. CMU won the ground ball game, 18-5. CMU mostly won on the fundamental stats and got more shots into the net. CMU did incur more penalties 7-3. Neither team made the most of their man-up opportunities: CMU man-up 1-3; Westminster 2-7. Both defenses played heads up in the first half.
The attackers had to really work for shots. CMU had a four goal lead at half-time. Several times players made selfless efforts to score by dodging past and around defenders. The Mavs quick to shoot play did well for them when the pick game was not happening.
The Mavs defense stifled the Westminster offense. Westminster had just their toes in the game when down by five in the 3rd quarter. The Mavs controlled the ball and continued to be fast thru to the end. In the 4th quarter CMU defense kept the Westminster players to fewer shots and forced turnovers. The victory appeared to be secured at the halfway point of the 4th quarter as Westminster offense struggled to get shots off and their defense appeared to be tired. CMU scored four goals in the 4th quarter.
Remi Reeves minded the net majority of the game. He had five saves. After the game Coach Smith said “Michael Marino, Jake Douglas, Jack Griffin and Steve Brandenburg all had a really good game.”
The RMAC championship postseason begins May 5th and will be played at Walker Field (Colorado Mesa University). CMU men’s lacrosse will be playing more on their home field after a season mostly of mostly away games. Securing all the wins in the RMAC tourney will give the team an opportunity at the regional playoff. CMU men’s lacrosse is ranked 6th of 6 teams in their regional division.
CMU Men’s Lacrosse may face off again against Westminster in the RMAC tournament. CMU will first play Adams State. The winner of that game will then play the winner of Westminster vs Rockhurst.
