A strong team is nothing without defense, and Denver’s men’s lacrosse team has proved this season that their defensive line is a force to be reckoned with.

Entering the quarterfinals of the National Championships as the No. 5 seed, the Pioneers were prepared to take on the Drexel Dragons, coming off of a 9-5 win over the No. 3 scoring offense in the nation in North Carolina. With another strong defensive and overall team performance, Denver was able to move on to the Final Four after defeating the Dragons 15-6.

After facing Syracuse in the semifinal game last year and falling short of championship weekend by one goal, Denver was ready to fight in order to get back to the semifinals. Pioneer defensive players Carson Cannon, Teddy MacKenzie and goalie Ryan LaPlante were prepared to get back to the field in Baltimore, and they did just that after playing some of their best defense against Drexel.

From Fort Collins, Colorado, LaPlante had hopes of reaching the Division I level since he began his lacrosse career in the fifth grade.

“Ever since I had started playing lacrosse, I had always wanted to play in college. It was my dream,” said LaPlante.
LaPlante recorded an impressive 95 saves this season and has been the backbone of the defensive line along with his senior counterpart in goalie Jamie Faus. Against the Dragons, LaPlante did not let in a goal in during the second quarter and made three saves in the first half, after making three saves in the previous game against North Carolina.
“It was awesome beating North Carolina for the third year in a row,” said LaPlante. “I think it was the best defensive game we have ever played at this school, as a unit, in my time that I have been here. It was great team win. Offense really helped us out by holding the ball the whole time.”

As a Colorado native, LaPlante has been able to play the sport he loves and represent Colorado for the past three years at DU.

“It has been amazing. I love it here. Being able to play at Denver is really cool, especially in my home state. Being able to play at the Division I level is awesome. I love it,” said LaPlante.

Reflecting on his experience as one of the Pioneer’s goalies, LaPlante gives the most credit to his coaches and fellow defensive players. During the North Carolina game, which was held at DU’s Peter Barton Stadium, LaPlante was happy to be playing in front of a large home crowd.

“I just want to do what the team needs me to do,” said LaPlante. “The defensive players motivate each other more than anything. You don’t really have to get motivated for a playoff game; everybody came out really excited and having one of the best crowds helps a lot, too. It was really exciting.”

With the win over Drexel complete, LaPlante is ready to get back to the Final Four.

“It’s every kid’s dream to get to play in the Final Four weekend. I didn’t realize how awesome it was until I looked back at it.

It’s an amazing experience and that’s everyone’s end goal, to win the National Championships, not just get there,” LaPlante said.

Carson Cannon, a junior from Minnesota, fell in love with the sport after he grew tired of playing soccer.
This season, Cannon caused 9 turnovers, and most recently helped Denver’s D hold Drexel to six goals. Denver’s recently dominant defense is something Cannon is proud to be a part of.

“A lot of times, everyone knows our offense,” said Cannon. “We haven’t really been known as a good defensive team in the past, so we are trying to change that. Coach Tierney and Coach Sheraton have done a really good job recruiting and teaching us the plays we know how to run.”

Having played in the semifinal game last year against Syracuse, Cannon is ready to get back to the field force a different outcome.

“Going to the Final Four was a crazy experience for me and I want to get back there again. Hopefully we can,” Cannon said.

From Connecticut, redshirt junior Teddy MacKenzie has been a defensive force. Inspired to play by his family and brothers, the lacrosse field has proven to be the place where Mackenzie belongs.

Reflecting back on this past season, MacKenzie is content with Denver’s results, but is looking for a little bit more.
“Everything from this entire season has been memorable. Just being around your best friends really means a lot and going as far as we can will create great memories,” said MacKenzie.

This season, MacKenzie recorded 25 ground balls and against Drexel, MacKenzie had a strong game with ground balls and steals. Although the ball primarily remained on the offensive side against the Dragons, MacKenzie and the defense remained strong throughout both halves of the game.

“On defense, tendencies play a huge roll. Playing together a lot helps,” said MacKenzie.

A recent addition to the Pioneer’s starting rotation has come in the form of Christian Burgdorf, a freshman out of New Jersey. The speed and physicality of the sport were what originally drew Burgdorf into the game, and as a defensive player, both are always common attributes.

In his first season as a Pioneer, Burgdorf recorded 25 ground balls, and is second on the team with 13 caused turnovers.
“We trust each other,” said Burgdorf. “If someone gets beat, one of the other guys will have your back.”

With three more seasons remaining for Burgdorf, more than just one Final Four appearance could be possible. Playing Drexel, Burgdorf remained strong throughout the entire game and played a crucial role in limiting the Dragon offense. Looking back at the season, Burgdorf is content with his choice to be a Pioneer.

“It’s been pretty awesome so far. Travelling with the team and hanging out with all the guys is always a good time, but whatever you’re doing with your best friends makes it all worthwhile,” Burgdorf said.