After coming within one game of the NCAA Championship game last season in Baltimore, the Pioneers men’s lacrosse team was back in action as they faced Harvard this past weekend at the San Francisco Fall Classic at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco.
Harvard defeated Denver in a high-scoring exhibition contest, edging the Pioneers 19-14 in front of 3,500 people on Saturday.
Although an ugly loss, the team considers itself lucky to have been handed a humble loss this early in their pre-season.
“It’s kind of what the doctor ordered for us,” said head coach Bill Tierney. “We are a group of guys, myself included, that are still enjoying last year’s Final Four run and we got a little reality check today.”
The Pioneers took a 3-1 lead early on as seniors Mark Matthews, Patrick Rodgers and Cameron Flint each scored for DU in the first quarter.
As the first quarter wrapped up, the score remained even at 3-3.
Harvard’s 8-0 tear began at the end of the first quarter and continued through the entire second quarter. The Pioneers were held scoreless in the second quarter, trailing 9-3 at halftime. Sophomore Carl Zimmerman scored twice, while freshman Michel Keegan, seniors Kevin Vaughn and Jeff Cohen, junior Ryan Stevens and sophomore Daneil Eipp all combined to fuel the run for the Crimson.
As the second half began, the Pioneers tallied twice to bring DU within 4 goals as they trailed 9-5. Harvard again went on a scoring rampage, going on a 6-0 run in the third quarter and holding DU scoreless for seven minutes. The Pioneers battled back in the second half despite trailing 15-5. As the third quarter neared the end, the Pioneers were able to tally two quick goals from Rogers and junior Collin Scott, bringing the score to 15-7 at the end of three.
Freshman Eric Adamson scored his first of three goals in his DU debut in the fourth quarter. As the Pioneers trailed 8-15, Harvard again responded with four goals and nearly 10 minutes of shut out lacrosse.
The Pioneers were able to score as freshman Garret Holst, sophomore Paul Danko and Adamson combined for the final six goals.
The Crimson were led by Stevens and Eipp, who each had hat tricks.
“Harvard did a great job,” said Tierney. “They have some really experienced middies and some really young tough defensive defensemen.”
While the Pioneers headed home with a loss, the game did not count against their record and will not affect preseason rankings.
“We are still 0-0 come February,” said Tierney. “It just gives us two weeks to correct a lot of the mistakes and get ready for the Outlaws.”
The Pioneers will take on the Denver Outlaws on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m. The game will mark the third year of the Colorado Lacrosse Showcase.
“The opportunity to host the Denver Outlaws and work hand-in-hand with their great organization for the third straight year is a thrill for our players and an honor for the University of Denver,” said Bill Tierney on DenverOutlaws.com. “As we move through our fall season, we attempt to introduce new concepts to our younger players and help the older teammates assume more of a leadership role. We had a fantastic season last year and we are aiming for even higher goals in 2012.”
Former Pioneers who will suit up for the Outlaws include Dillion Roy, Jordan Hendry and Andrew Lay. Last season, the Outlaws finished their MLL season with a record of 7-6. The Outlaws were eliminated at the Championship Weekend in Baltimore after losing to the Hamilton Nationals 11-9.
In the second annual Colorado Lacrosse Showcase last season, the Pioneers defeated the Outlaws 20-15 in front of nearly 2,000 people at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. A junior at the time, Alex Demopoulos led the Pioneers with four goals.
