Men's lacrosse wins finale, earns playoff spot

Western men’s lacrosse team extended their winning streak to four games and clinched a spot in the playoffs with a dominating 11-2 win over the University of Great Falls on Monday, April 25. The Vikings’ record improves to 8-5 with the victory. Western scored early and often in their final regular season game, with their first goal coming less than a minute into the game. On the Vikings’ first possession, senior attacker Alexander Rabin streaked past several defenders and put the ball in the net for the first of his four goals on the day. “We came out with more energy and more fire than the other team,” head coach Jacob Goodman said. “We were hustling harder than the other team for sure.” Great Falls failed to scored until midway through the second quarter when junior midfielder Albert Williams slipped through the Vikings’ defense for an unassisted goal, his only of the night.

"Once we find our groove it’s hard to stop us."

Senior team president and utility player Lucas Marin

The Vikings firmly dominated the tone and pace of the game, taking 17 shots on goal. In addition to Rabin, three other Vikings tallied up multi-goal performances. Despite the Vikings’ lopsided victory, there is a lot of work left for the team heading into the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League tournament next weekend, Goodman said. “Our time of possession was pretty good, but we also had some turnovers that we need to clean up,” Goodman said. “We can’t have those in the playoffs and going forward for the rest of the season.” Senior team president and utility player Lucas Marin said spacing is an area the team could improve upon. “[We need to focus on] off-ball movement,” Marin said. “We really weren’t focusing on that today, but once we find our groove it’s hard to stop us.” The Vikings take on College of Idaho in Boise, Idaho on Friday, April 29, at 3 p.m. If they are able to win the PNCLL regionals, nationals will be waiting for the Vikings in California.

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