(Sylvania, OH) – Concordia men's lacrosse began WHAC conference play on Wednesday afternoon when they traveled to Lourdes. The Cardinals came in 2-0 on the year while the Gray Wolves entered with a 2-1 record. CUAA overcame an early deficit and pulled away in the second half for a 10-8 win.
Blake Blaisdell led the team with 4 goals. Hunter McCarty was a close second with 3 goals. Sam Saje had a team-high 6 ground balls.
Sam Bowling started in net for the Cardinals, making 9 saves. Bowling remained sharp in net making many early saves, but Lourdes struck first with two goals. Ryan Iles recorded the first goal for Concordia to break the shutout. The Cardinals generated more chances in the Lourdes zone, but the Gray Wolves added another goal for a 3-1 lead after the 1st.
Both teams held strong on defense for most of the 2nd quarter with Blake Blaisdell ringing a shot off the post from behind the net. Concordia finally broke the stalemate at the 6:10 mark when Blaisdell scored on a one-timer off a Hunter McCarty pass. Lourdes added another goal but Hunter McCarty slipped in a shot to cut the deficit to 4-3. Devin Wolever hit the post on a quick shot late in the quarter and the score remained 4-3 at halftime.
Lourdes scored the first goal of the 3rd quarter but Hunter McCarty notched his second marker of the game in response. Blake Blaisdell tied the game with a shot from the right side of the net with Noah Sorenson drawing the assist. Lourdes retook the lead with a goal but Devin Wolever scored to tie the game 6-6. Hunter McCarty completed his hat trick with a go-ahead marker while falling down, and a powerplay goal by Ryan Iles put CUAA up 8-6 after the 3rd.
Concordia killed off two penalties early in the 4th and Blake Blaisdell finished his hat trick for a 9-6 lead. Blaisdell added a 4th goal after running around from behind the net to extend the team's lead. While Lourdes added two more goals in the quarter, the Cardinals were able to hold on to secure the 10-8 win.
Concordia will play their next game on Monday, March 22 when they host Mount Vernon Nazarene at 5:00pm.
