In a thrilling clash between the two teams who claimed the past three NCAA National Men’s Lacrosse Championships, Denver topped the Duke University Blue Devils 14-12 at the Cobb County Classic on Feb. 20.
As both teams assessed one another in the opening minutes, senior attack Jack Bobzien (Littleton, Colorado) put Denver on the scoreboard first. Denver’s next two goals were generated by freshman midfielders Colton Jackson (Highlands Ranch, Colorado) and Austin French (Danville, California). With 2:18 remaining in the first quarter, Duke tallied their first of the game to trail Denver 1-3.
Duke’s late goal in the first period created Blue Devil momentum which carried into the start of the second period. Duke tied the game at three apiece with this goal.
Senior defenseman Pat Karole makes a run down the field earlier this season. Photo by Dazong Chen | ClarionFreshman goalie Alex Ready (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) made a few crucial stops for Denver, who led the game 5-4 heading into halftime.
Duke quickly tied the game back at the start of the third quarter. Shortly after, junior midfielder Zach Miller (Steamburg, New York) beat Duke’s goalie to return Denver’s lead.
Both teams transferred goals before 2015 United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) First-Team All-American Connor Cannizzaro’s (Cazenovia, New York) two goals would ensure a 9-7 lead for Denver by the end of the third.
1:51 into the final quarter, Duke tallied two goals to tie the game at nine. Denver countered on a three-goal run generated by Cannizzaro, Brendan Bomberry (Ohsweken, Ontario) and Max Planning (Alexandria, Virginia) to advance Denver 12-9 with 9:39 left in regulation.
Duke responded with a three-goal run of their own. The game was tied once more at 12, with 6:10 remaining in regulation.
Junior captain Tyler Pace (Coquitlam, British Columbia) delivered the lead back to Denver. Senior midfielder Colin Woolford (Norwalk, Connecticut) provided an insurance goal in the final minutes to secure the 14-12 lead for the Pioneers.
Cannizzaro led scoring for Denver with his second-half hat trick. In just his second career start, Ready totalled nine saves. Jackson finished the day with three points (two goals, one assist) for the first time in his rookie season.
The Pioneers will host the Faceoff Classic beginning on Feb. 27 where Air Force, Dartmouth College and Sacred Heart University will travel to Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. Air Force and Dartmouth faceoff at 11 a.m. before Denver takes on Sacred Heart at 1:30 p.m.
