After suffering their first loss in 20 games, Denver men’s lacrosse bounced back with a convincing 17-4 win over the Georgetown University Hoyas on April 2. The Pioneers opened up BIG EAST play in the nation’s capital, where five different players tallied multiple goals to deliver the 16th conference win and ninth longest conference win streak in NCAA Division l men’s lacrosse history.
Junior United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) First Team All-American Connor Cannizzaro (Cazenovia, New York) finished the day with seven points, including two goals, and tied his career-high with five assists. Junior classmates Zach Miller (Steamburg, New York) and Tyler Pace (Coquitlam, British Columbia), senior captain Jack Bobzien (Littleton, Colorado), along with freshman Austin French (Danville, California) were the additional multi-scorers for the day.
USILA First Team All American Trevor Baptiste (Denville, New Jersey) finished with 14-21 faceoff wins at the X. Freshman goalie Alex Ready (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) ended the day with nine saves.
Following last week’s reality-check 15-10 loss to Penn State University, the Pioneers refocused leading up to the BIG EAST opener.
“It’s not always bad to get a loss under your belt,” said senior captain and USILA Second Team All-American Christian Burgdorf (Westfield, New Jersey). “We’ve been working on keeping our composure, not being complacent and just playing Denver lacrosse. Getting wins is great, but getting demanding wins with a demanding lead to really put teams away and make a statement is even better.”
The Pioneers sparked a 5-0 lead against the Hoyas during the first 11:01 of the opening quarter. Miller tallied two goals during the run, along with individual markers from sophomore Connor Donahue (Groton, Massachusetts), a career-first goal from senior Chris Hampton (Bethesda, Maryland) and French. Georgetown ended the run with a goal of their own with 2:53 left in the first quarter. The Pioneers responded by netting a goal in transition from sophomore Brendan Bomberry (Ohsweken, Ontario) to take a 6-1 lead.
Denver’s attack slowed during the second quarter. Bobzien produced the only two goals from either team, ensuring an 8-1 lead at halftime.
The Pioneers returned energized to start the second-half, with five goals assembled during the third quarter. The Hoyas beat Ready on the bounce to cut the original deficit down to six. Tallies from French and senior midfielder Bryce Parietti (Centennial, Colorado) extended Denver’s lead 10-2. The Hoyas countered once more to slim the margin down to seven. Two goals from Cannizzaro and one from freshman Colton Jackson (Highlands Ranch, Colorado) closed out the third quarter 13-3.
Denver dominated the final quarter with a three goal run, including two goals from Pace, one of which was a one man-up marker, and an unassisted tally for Colton McCaffrey (Parker, Colorado). Joey Gigantiello (Shamong, New Jersey) replaced Ready in net for the final quarter and relinquished the Hoya’s final goal of the game. Denver made additions to the scoreboard within the final minutes of play. McCaffrey sent a behind-the-back pass to freshman Nate Marano (Tustin, California) who buried his eighth goal of the season, securing the 17-4 win for the Pioneers.
The Pioneers return to the east coast next weekend to face the Villanova University Wildcats at 10 a.m. MT on April 9.
As the Pioneers continue BIG EAST play against the Wildcats, head coach Bill Tierney is aware of the upcoming games’ future implications.
“The intensity certainly amps up. For the next five weeks you’re playing for a spot in the BIG EAST tournament and each game you win puts you in a better position. To be in the tournament and to be [hosting it] in Denver puts an emphasis to not just play in the tournament, but to get to the finals and win,” said Tierney.
