LIVONIA, Mich. -  The Crusaders' men's lacrosse team (8-5, 4-3) kicked off their final game of the 2024 regular season by honoring their graduating seniors, before facing the No. 7 ranked Aquinas College Saints (9-1, 5-1). In the final game before the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Tournament, the Saints would have the Crusaders' number as they pieced them apart 21-8.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

On a rainy senior day at the Madonna Athletic Complex, the Crusaders honored their 2024 graduating class before the game. 

Following the senior day festivities, the Saints would display why they are the No. 7 team in the nation with a huge 11-goal opening half. A first half hat trick from junior Nick Bryden would keep the Crusaders alive, but the Saints led 11-3 at the break.

Coming out in the second half, the first goal would be from the Saints, but freshman Reid Dunavant would answer less than a minute later with a goal of his own. After the Saints began to pull away, the Crusaders would nearly rally a late-game comeback with four straight goals; two from Dylan Hicks, one from Carter Borsos, and one from Bryden, his fourth of the game. The late-game rally brought the Crusaders back in reach 16-8 with nearly a full quarter remaining. 

However, their comeback attempt would be proved futile as the Saints would take over in the fourth, going on to win 21-8.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Bryden scored four goals.
• Borsos and Dunavant each had one goal and one assist.
• Goalkeeper Jeff Varner recorded 12 saves.

UP NEXT:

The Crusaders will await seeding for the WHAC Tournament to see who they will be matched up with. The postseason will kick off next Tuesday, April 23rd.

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