BRIGHTON, Mich. - Coming off their blowout win over Thomas Moore, the Madonna men's lacrosse team returned to Michigan where they would put on a similar showing against the Warriors of Midland University. The Crusaders dominated once again, crushing the Warriors 17-5.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Crusaders came out hot, carrying over the momentum from their dominant performance against Thomas Moore as they went on an early 5-0 run just minutes into the first period. Kyle Gudme would strike first, firing a shot right through the net just three minutes into the match. Not even thirty seconds later, Nick Conrad would toss it to Zachary Lane for the quick score. A minute later, Mark Vellspir would score his first goal of the season with a laser to the back of the net. Next it was Shane Alexander who got on the board with his first goal of the day, shortly followed by Vince Floro off of an assist from Lane. The Warriors would sneak in a goal as the first period came to a close, but Madonna would have a comfortable 5-1 lead.

In just the opening seconds of the second period, Gudme would knock down another goal off of a smooth assist from Lane. Seconds later, Conrad would strike again thanks to an assist from Dylan Hicks. The Warriors tried desperately to put something together, but after three failed clear attempts, the Crusaders would take advantage as Conrad found the net yet again. The Warriors managed to get another score but Floro would strike right back with another goal. The final blow of the half came from Nick Bryden, who would tack on yet another Crusader goal, as they would end the period up 10-2.

The Crusaders pulled off the gas a bit in the second half, but picked it back up with just under three minutes remaining in the third period as Vellspir secured his second goal of the afternoon. Bryden scored his second goal of the day off of a Midland turnover just a minute later, and Vellspir would score once again before the period came to a close. A buzzer-beating goal by Alexander would make it a 14-3 game going into the last period. Bryden and Conrad would each pick up their third goals of the game in the fourth period, and Logan Barysiak would hammer the last nail into the coffin with a final goal to close out Midland 17-5.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 

• Conrad and Lane tied for the most points, each with four.
• Conrad, Bryden, and Vellspir each scored three goals.
• Lane led the Crusaders in assists with three and scored one goal.
• Alexander, Floro, and Gudme each scored two goals.
• Kent Westrick was dominant on defense with five caused turnovers and four ground balls.
• Jeff Varner had six saves and only two goals allowed. 

UP NEXT

The Crusaders will journey to Iowa for a three game stretch, where they will first face #5 Saint Ambrose University on Thursday, March 9th at 7:00 pm.

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