Photos by Greg Williamson
Colorado College’s men’s lacrosse team remains undefeated after their fourth game of the season against Augustana College. With the 14-5 victory, the Tigers secured the best start to a season since 2011. The Tigers have won every game this season with a score of 14. The Tigers also held Augustana to the lowest opponent score so far.
Senior goaltender Chase Murphy was a key player in the game with a 67 save percentage and blocked double-digit shots for the 24th time in his career. On the other end of the field, sophomore attackman Robert Stern had a career high of five goals and two assists which helped propel the Tigers to victory.
“It was great to contribute in a big win,” said Stern. “Augustana was the best team we have played this season and it was a great win for us. Our offense was really clicking on all cylinders and I was able to take advantage of some opportunities.”
Junior attackman Austin Davie connected with the back of the net three times and freshman midfielder Parker Woo helped the Tigers stay on the offensive with a scorching 84 face off percentage.
Colorado College brought the same intensity last Saturday as they did for their previous three victories. They started the game strong with freshman midfielder Aaron Maslow and Stern both scoring within the first four minutes. The Tigers never let up, dominating their opponent by racking up an 8-3 lead by halftime.
The Tigers carried their momentum into the second half. The Vikings never had a chance. Stern scored his fourth goal of the game after 34 seconds in the third quarter. Augustana managed to score twice in the third but it was too little too late. The game ended with four unanswered goals from the Tigers in the fourth quarter.
A suffocating defense by the Tigers, which included 15 turnovers, held the Vikings to just five goals. This defense included stellar performances from defenseman sophomore Riley Hoffman, with four turnovers, and senior Tim Jenkins, with three turnovers, which helped secure the Tigers’ nine-point victory.
“Augustana is a tournament team and there were massive Pool B implications, so hopefully we separated from the pack today,” said Jenkins. “It was a great win for our resume.”
The undefeated Tigers have their most important game of the season so far next weekend against No. 13 Roanoke College. Colorado College lost to Roanoke last year 18-8, ending a six game winning streak for the Tigers. A victory over a ranked team will be crucial for the Tigers who are striving for a bid to the NCAA tournament.
“I think the team has been ready for Roanoke since we saw the schedule this year,” said Stern. “The Roanoke loss last year was really frustrating and we have definitely remembered that game.”
A challenge like Roanoke is nothing the Colorado College men’s lacrosse team cannot handle. The Tigers are looking the strongest they have in years.
“We have really clicked as a team on and off the field,” said Stern. “We have a lot of young talent and some great senior leadership. The older guys on the team have done an outstanding job of setting the expectations and our younger players are filling huge roles.”
That confidence in the team’s abilities is felt throughout all levels of the team, both coaches and players.
“Our team has the best chemistry out of anyone we have played in my time at Colorado College,” said student and Assistant Coach Chris Maves. “If we allow ourselves to play loose, fast, and under control, then we should come out with a win this weekend. When each individual plays good, we all play great. To win we will need to have confidence in ourselves and stay out of the penalty box, because Roanoke likes to play chippy and bait their opponents into getting frustrated.”
Colorado College takes on Roanoke College Sunday, March 6 on Washburn Field at 2 p.m.
