Montana Mashes Fort 13-11 in the RMLC Playoffs

April 29, 2010

With a 6 game winning streak and a big triumph last week over Westminster, Fort Lax was invited to compete in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference (RMLC) playoffs. With the players scrambling to cover final exams, moving-out deadlines, and graduation requirements, the Hawks drove the 6 hours through stormy conditions to BYU in Provo, Utah to take on the #18 ranked Montana State Mountaineers.

With temperatures dropping and intermittent snow squalls at the game’s start, Montana stung the Hawks with a quick 3 goal lead. Kevin Harkey assisted Erik Johnson, and then Johnson found Adam Allen on the crease for the first FLC tallies. Montana scored again, and then Bob Berding dodged past 2 defenders to put in a point blank shot to make it 4-2 at the quarter.

The Mountaineers face-off specialist was able to control the draw throughout the game giving Montana a majority of the possession. However the Hawks scored 4 times to the Mountaineers 2 in the second quarter, with goals by Andy Grenhart, Bob Berding (2), and Dan Riecks to tie the score at 6-6 at the half.

With scrappy play, both teams score 2 goals in the third quarter. Dan Riecks pinged the net off a beautiful ally dodge, and Johnson found a darting Andy Grenhart for the second tally of the quarter.

With the score tied at 8-8, Montana was able to control almost all the face-offs in the fourth quarter to give the Mountaineers a big edge in possessions. After trading 2 goals each in the early minutes, Montana surged ahead with 3 more goals to the Hawks 1 to take the win 13-11. Both Grenhart (2) and Allen scored in the fourth.

The Hawks ended the season with a solid 10-5 record.

FLC Skyhawks Grind the Westminster Griffins 14-4

April 24, 2010

In an emotionally charged contest, Fort Lewis took on perennial powerhouse Westminster on a blustery day at the FLC stadium field. Westminster – ranked #6 nationally and the 2008 national division 2 club lacrosse champions, looked impressive as they arrived at FLC in their luxury bus, a roster of 35 players and a 5 person coaching staff. Comparatively, the #18 ranked Hawks looked sparse with only 16 players suited up and a 2 person coaching staff. However, the Hawks were mentally ready and feeling confident in their team play coming off of 5 straight wins. As this was the senior’s last game in an FLC uniform, the seniors had an extra mental intensity knowing that they had never beaten Westminster.

After 5 minutes of tough play in the first quarter, FLC lit up the nets first as star Attackman Erik Johnson found Andy Grenhart for a close shot from the crease. Minutes later, the Griffins pinged the FLC nets to make it 1-1. Freshman middie Fred Waddle assisted Erik Johnson to end the quarter with the Hawks up 2-1.

With excellent play in the midfield, offense, and defense, the Hawks were able to put in 4 more goals in the second quarter with scores by Andy Grenhart, Erik Johnson, Dan Riecks and Josh deGuzman. With 2 goals scored by Westminster, the Hawks had a 6-3 lead at the half.

Even with very few players to substitute, the Hawks came out firing for the third quarter with goals by Andy Grenhart (2), Josh deGuzman, Fred Waddle, and Erik Johnson to the Griffins 1 goal, to put the Sky Hawks up 11-4 with just 4 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter. This first 10 minutes of this quarter was perhaps the best lacrosse that FLC had played all season. The defense played patiently, created numerous turnovers, and then were able to move the ball to the Hawk’s offense with excellent clears. The attack coordinated well with the midfield and was able to move the ball quickly enough to generate quality shots.

With the end of the game nearing, the Griffins ramped up their intensity, started winning face-offs and ripped 5 goals in just 6 minutes, to a single goal by Erik Johnson to make it 12-10 with 10 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter. Fortunately, Fred Waddle was able to stop the bleeding with a sweep across the midfield putting 2 shots in to give the Hawks a 3 point lead with 7 minutes to play. Westminster scored just 10 seconds later off a face-off win and fast break. The last 5 minutes of the game saw intense play by both team with several close shots and fast midfield action. A final tally by the Griffins with 19 seconds remaining gave the Hawks a 14-12 edge at the buzzer.

The Hawks finished the season 10 -4, with 6 straight wins.

FLC Hawks Lacrosse Mashes The Western State Mountaineers 18-4

April 18, 2010
Under partly cloudy skies and mild temperatures the Hawk’s men’s lacrosse, took on the Western State Mountaineers. FLC jumped to a quick 2-0 lead as Erik Johnson found Fred Waddle and then Andy Johnson darting across the crease. Moving the ball nicely on offense, the Hawks played unselfish ball as Kevin Harkey knifed unerring feeds to Bob Berding, Erik Johnson, and then Josh Deguzman to make it 5 to 1 at the end of the first quarter.

With a comfortable lead and solid play on defense, in the midfield, and on offense, all of the Hawks athletes were able to see substantial playing time. Even with a slow down offensive pattern, the FLC exploded for 6 more points to the Mountaineers 1 point during the second quarter with goals by Erik Johnson, Fred Waddle, Luke Blacketer, Dan Riecks, Bob Berding, and Kevin Harkey.

The third quarter was similar to the second quarter as the Hawks defense headed by Matt Cawley and Jon Bock virtually shut the Mountaineers offense, allowing only 1 goal. Offensively, FLC continued to work plays and move the ball well with most goals resulting from good cuts and assists. Dan Riecks found his scoring rhythm with a goal off a nice assist from Erik Johnson. Erik Johnson, Fred Waddle, and Bob Berding all hit the net to finish the quarter up 17-3.

As the afternoon clouds roiled higher, the fourth quarter was shortened due to lighting activity. Adam Allen was the sole FLC scorer with a nice inside shot on an extra man play.

With the final score of 18-4, the Hawks are now 9 and 4 for the season.

The Sky Hawks faces a highly touted Westminster squad at FLC next Saturday at 12 noon for the last game of the season.

Fort Lax Mires Mines 10-9

On Friday evening, April 16 dodging lighting and rain, Fort Lewis lacrosse faced off against the Colorado Mines Orediggers under the lights at the FLC stadium field.

The Hawks offense got off to another fast start when attackman Erik Johnson drove around the goal, passed to senior midfielder Dan Riecks who pinged the net with a solid over head shot just 90 seconds into the game. Four minutes later Riecks made a crafty dodge to beat his defender with another goal from midfield to make it 2-0. Face-off specialists Fred Waddle and Bob Berding continued to dominate the draw allowing the offense to control the ball. Dan Riecks continued to sizzle as he assisted Andy Grenhart for a slick inside goal. Riecks kept up his offensive wizardy as as he found middie Bob Berding near the crease for another Hawk’s tally. Andy Grenhart then buried his second goal to close out the first quarter with the Hawks up 5-2.

FLC’s midfield and defense shut out the Orediggers for the second quarter, allowing FLC’s offense lengthy possessions. Erik Johnson was able to find power shooting middie Fred Waddle for Waddle’s first goal of the game. With Mines’ defense collapsing on Waddle, Waddle was able to pass to Andy Johnson who tallied the second goal of the quarter. Erik Johnson was able to drive from behind, turn the corner and beat the Orediggers goal tender for the third score of the quarter.

With FLC dominating all aspects of the game, the Hawks began the second half up 8-2. Mines came out for the second half playing mentally tough and scrapping for every ball. With a tough ride, the Orediggers created numerous turnovers and were able to capitalize with 2 goals early in the third period to end the quarter 8-4.

With the momentum shifting to Mines, the Orediggers continued their scrappy midfield play and high pressure defense, and were able to hit the net again 3 minutes into the fourth period. With the Hawk’s offense unable to control the ball, or connect for quality scores, the FLC defense of Jon Bock, Matt Cawley, Mike Kelly, and Drew Larson had to fight through long possession by Mines. With a solid run of 4 quality goals by Mines, the Orediggers were able to pull ahead 9-8 with 4 minutes left in the game. The Hawk’s 25 minute scoring drought finally ended as Erik Johnson assisted Dan Riecks for Rieck’s third goal of the game – tying the score at 9-9.

As the clock wound down to less than 2 minutes left in the game, Riecks dodged past his defender, and assisted senior Bob Berding who beat the Orediggers goalie with a pinpoint shot to pull the Hawks ahead 9-8.

FLC’s next game is against Western State on Sunday, April 18 at FLC.

Hawks Lacrosse Takes Second Win of the Weekend

April 11, 2010
FLC Sky Hawks faced off against Nebraska’s Creighton University Jays Sunday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver. Freshman Fred Waddle hit the Jays net in the first minute to give the Hawks an electrifying start to the game. Just four minute later Waddle dodged past 2 Creighton defenders to make it 2-0. Senior Attackman Erik Johnson then dished out 2 pinpoint feeds to the darting Waddle to make it 4-0 to close the first quarter.

Waddle controlled the faceoff to start the second quarter, drove straight down and scored again in just 20 seconds. Waddle’s goal ignited a scoring explosion in the second quarter with goals by Johnson, Harkey (2), defenseman Bock, and another tally by Waddle. Bock’s goal was the most exciting of the day, as he ran the length of the field, toed the crease, then lifted his 6 foot pole high overhead to zing the ball past the Jay’s keeper.

With a comfortable lead, the Hawks then settled down to play a complete game with Waddle and Bob Berding dominating the faceoffs, the FLC attack and middies were riding tough creating numerous turnovers, and the defense behind goalie Cullen Bilgrav effectively clearing the ball . Defensemen Jon Bock and Matt Cawley were particularly effective on the field vacuuming 23 ground balls between the 2 of them.

Up 11 to 1 at the start of the second half, the Hawks lost some of their concentration resulting in 6 penalties, which created in 3 man up goals by the Jays, with only 2 goals by Johnson and Waddle for the Hawks.

With a renewed focus going into the 4th quarter all of the players on the Hawks roster were able to see significant playing time. Goals by Harkey (2) and Johnson lifted the Hawks to a 16-8 final score against the visiting Jays.

The Hawks host Colorado School of Mines next Friday at 7 PM, and then Western State on Sunday at 12 Noon.

Hawks Roll the Roadrunners 11-5

April 10, 2010
Fort Lewis Lacrosse rolled past the Metro State Roadrunners 11 – 5 on Friday night under the lights at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver, to extend their season record to 6 and 4.

The Hawks tallied quickly with a Kevin Harkey score off a quick feed from Erik Johnson, just 2 minutes into the first quarter. Metro matched FLC with an unassisted goal from Kevin Bertrand. Harkey and Johnson continued their connection with another assist and goal by Harkey, followed by an unassisted goal from Johnson to finish the first quarter 3-1.

From then on the Hawks dominated all aspects of the game with middies Bob Berding and Fred Waddle controlling the faceoffs. FLC hamstringed the Roadrunners with a patient ride that crippled Metros clearing game, giving the Hawks long offensive possessions. However the Hawks had a hard time finding the net with 6 shots bouncing off the poles.

With a halftime score of 5 to 4, the Hawks continued to dominate the game as the offensive distributed the ball resulting in goals by Fred Waddle (2) Dan Riecks, and Andy Grenhart. The Hawks D virtually shut out the Roadrunners offensive allowing only 1 goal for the half.

The Hawks face Nebraska’s Creighton University on Saturday.

FLC Lacrosse Rockets Past Regis 24-6

April 4, 2010
With the snow finally melted on the FLC fields, the Sky Hawks hosted Regis for FLC’s first home lacrosse game of the season. After a tough pair of losses to Utah Valley and Northern Colorado the week before in Orem, the Hawks surged past Regis from the starting whistle.

Just 2 minutes into the first quarter freshman middie Fred Waddle found senior attack Erik Johnson for the game’s first tally. Erik Johnson and fellow senior attackman Andy Grenhart were able to slip and slide past the Regis defense scoring 4 more goals to finish the first quarter 5 to 0.

Just 2 minutes into the second quarter Regis’ middie Jack White slipped past the Hawk’s D to put Regis on the scoreboard. Andy Grenhart retaliated with 2 quick unassisted goals. With the Regis defense trying to stop the bleeding from the Hawk’s attack, FLC’s middies continued the offensive pressure with goals from Kevin Harkey, Bob Berding, and Adam Allen to finish the first half with the Hawks up 10 to 2.

Moving into the second half, the Hawk’s defense of Matt Cawley, Jon Bock, Drew Larson, and Mike Kelly, kept up the heat against Regis sucking up a combined 23 ground balls, and dominating the faceoffs. Goalies Luke Blacketer and Cullen Bilgrav had a relatively relaxed day minding the nets.

All of the players on the Hawk’s team saw substantial game time, and even with some of the less experienced players, the Hawk’s tallied 10 goals in the 4th quarter, spear headed by Captain Dan Rieck’s 3 goals and 1 assist in the last 10 minutes.

Rounding out the day, midfield Josh deGuzman scored his first goal, freshman attacker Aaron Blue found his stride and scored twice, middie Brian Oursler played some solid midfield ball, and freshman Kendall Murphy looked comfortable dodging on attack.

Next weekend the Hawks travel to Denver to challenge Metro in an in-conference game on Friday night, followed by a Saturday game against Nebraska’s Creighton University.

Fort Loses 2 Big Ones in Utah

March 29, 2010
Fort Lax travelled to Orem Utah this past weekend for games against Utah Valley and Northern Colorado.

Shortly before game time against UVU on Friday, a vicious storm front swept in over Lake Utah and collided with the Wasatch Mountains. The game venue was switched from UVU to BYU to get off the wet grass and onto a turf field. As the game progressed snow squalls would periodically hit the field driving fat snow flakes horizontally.

Coming off a 3 game winning streak against teams in California, the Hawks were psyched to play the Wolverines, ranked in the top 5 nationally. The game started with a fast pace with goals being traded between the two teams. Mid-way into the first half, the Wolverines were able to go up by 4. After a time-out, the Hawks re-focused and put in 3 goals in less than 2 minutes to pull within 1. UVU came back with a barrage of shots and were able to end the half up by 3.

As lacrosse is a game of streaks, FLC felt like we were right in the game. However, UVU came out of the half charged up and were able to keep chipping away at the FLC defense putting the ball in the net consistently. By the end of the 3rd quarter, the extra numbers on UVU’s team were able to outrun the Hawks taking firm control of the game. The final score was UVU 19 and FLC 10.

Saturday was an off-day for the Hawks, so the players were able to relax, recover, and watch a spirited game between UVU and Northern Colorado. Even though the game was relatively close, UVU had the better team and took the win.

On Sunday, the Hawks faced off against nationally ranked Northern Colorado with clear skies, mild temperature and perfect lacrosse weather. Our game plan called for the defense to shut down Colorado’s crease attack game and put tough pressure on their feeders. We felt that if we could control their offense, our offense could put up enough goals to win. During the first half, the Hawk’s D stood tough, virtually shutting down Colorado’s inside offensive game. On the other end of the field, FLC’s offense, which has always put up great numbers, just wasn’t clicking. Lots of missed passes, dropped balls, and poor shot choices combined so that the Hawk offense put up a paltry 4 goals for the entire game.

The frustration mounted through the second half, as Colorado began controlling the transition game, putting tough pressure on the Hawk’s D. The final score of 14-4 was difficult to take as we felt that this should have been a close and exciting game.

We now enter the more enjoyable part of our schedule with a home game (finally) against Regis this Saturday.

The Hawks Take Two More In Cali

FLC finished up its spring break road trip to California with wins over Cal State Long Beach and Biola.

After an emotionally uplifting win at Cal State Fullerton, the Hawks travelled to Cal State Long Beach. Long Beach came out fired up and out hustled the Hawks on ground balls and face-offs. Fortunately the FLC defense of Matt Cawley, Drew Larson, Jon Bock, Mike Kelly, and AJ Kortbawi were able to pressure Beach and neutralized their offense. Starter goalie Sean Claussen was out due to a fractured forearm suffered in the Fullerton game so Luke Blacketer tended the net. The Hawks offense could not connect, and the first quarter ended tied at zero.

The Hawks exploded for 4 quick goals in the second quarter to take control of the game. The scrappy Beachers continued to control the ground balls and were able to tally several goals to pull close to FLC.

The second half was similar to the first 30 minutes as the Hawks continued to struggle on ground balls, face-offs, and catching. Attackman Eric Johnson kept FLC ahead with a season high 5 goals and 2 assists. Kevin Harkey contributed 3 goals and 1 assist, as he switched to Attack to replace starter Matt Lindsley who suffered a torn hamstring in the NAU game.

After a hard fought game, FLC recorded its third win of the season with a final score of 12 to 10.

FLC then took on Biola University under the lights for its final road trip game. After trading goals in the first half of the first quarter, FLC was able to hit the net several more times to gain a slight lead going into the second quarter. After sloppy play against Long Beach, FLC looked sharp with crisp passes, tough defense, and a domination of the ground balls and face-offs. Biola had a solid group of skilled players, but could not match for the speed and depth of FLC.

The dynamic Attack duo of Andy Grenhart and Eric Johnson combined for a total of 7 goals and 2 assists. Goalie Luke Blacketer played a solid game making several key saves. Midfielder Bob Berding did an outstanding job on face-offs.

Final score FLC 10 – Biola 8.

FLC scrimmages CU this Friday, then travels to Utah to challenge U of N. Colorado and Utah Valley the following weekend.

FLC Loses in Overtime Then Wins Big in California

March 10, 2010
On Friday March 7, the Hawks travelled to Flagstaff to take on the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. NAU helmed by a new coach and with the addition of several stellar players, gave FLC a battler from the first whistle. After a week off, Mat Lindsley tallied the first goal of the game giving the Hawks an emotional boost. The Lumberjacks came back with two transitional goals midway through the first quarter to take the lead. Feeder phenom Erick Johnson found close shot specialist Andy Grenhart to tie it up heading into the second period.

The Hawk’s settled offense and settled defense showed great improvements as FLC controlled the possessions during the majority of the game. Unfortunately, the Lumberjack’s goalie was on fire, making incredibly athletic saves, then rocketing the ball to the midfield for a devastating transition game, and NAU was able to tie the score 7 to 7 at half.

With their transition offense hot, NAU took at 2 goal lead during the third quarter and went up by 4 in the midway through the 4th quarter.

With 5 minutes remaining the Hawks dug deep emotionally, and ramped up their intensity. Midfielder Kevin Harkey dropped to the Attack for injured Matt Lindsley, pouring in 3 goals and 1 assists midway through the first quarter. The Hawks defense stepped up the pressure and were able to create critical turnovers.

Kevin Harkey hit the net with his final goal with 45 seconds on the clock to put the game into overtime.

Unfortunately, the Lumberjacks controlled the faceoff and were able to bury the Fort with their final possession. Final score – FLC 15 and NAU 16.

Even though this was a tough loss to absorb, with important ramifications for the Hawks conference standing, the team showed an incredible spirit and an excellent level of play, coming from a 4 goal deficit to tie the game in the 4th quarter.

BIG WIN IN CALIFORNIA

On Sunday, March 7, the Hawks travelled to California to take on Cal State Fullerton. Fullerton has been receiving extensive attention having crushed many of their opponents, and being ranked 9th nationally in Division 2 club lacrosse.

This was a must win for the Hawks after the devastating emotional loss to NAU. As a team FLC realized that the intensity and level of play that they showed against Arizona in the fourth quarter would allow them to play and beat the best teams in the country. From the first minute the Hawks competed at the highest level. Erik Johnston stung Fullerton with an early goal and FLC retained a slight lead for the rest of the game.

The defense was particularly effective for the Hawks as the long sticks and mids worked quick slides and were able to continually frustrate the high powered Fullerton offense. Goalie Sean Claussey played an incredible game saving 7 tough shots in the 4th quarter alone.

With several adjustments made from the NAU game, FLC played a complete game with a potent and well disciplined offense, a quick drop to prevent the fast break on midfield, and a tenacious sliding defense.

The final 5 minutes of the 4th quarter saw a flurry of shots from Fullerton as they desperately tried to even the score. The frustration of Fuller ton was apparent to the FLC fan club spear headed by the Bock and Grenhart clan, as the penalty flags were flying in the waning minutes. Final score for this huge upset – FLC 10 – Fullerton 7.

On March 11, the Hawks caravan to Cal State Long Beach for the third game of their spring break road trip.