(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia men's lacrosse looked to defend their #6 ranking on Sunday afternoon when they hosted UM-Dearborn. The Cardinals came in with a perfect 4-0 record while the Wolverines entered the game 0-2. CUAA jumped out to an early lead and used a strong 3rd quarter to help secure a 14-8 victory.
Hunter McCarty continued his standout freshman season with a team-high 4 goals. Blake Blaisdell and Devin Wolever each recorded 3 goals apiece. Reggie Thompson led the team with 7 ground balls. Austin Ventimiglio helped out the defense with 9 caused turnovers.
Sam Bowling started in net for the Cardinals, racking up 13 saves. UM-Dearborn scored the first goal of the game, but Blake Blaisdell answered just 20 seconds later. Devin Wolever rifled a shot in the net just over a minute later with Evan Stuart drawing the assist. Stuart went on to score back-to-back goals as the quarter wound down, putting CUAA ahead 4-1 after the 1st.
Devin Wolever recorded his second goal of the game 21 seconds into the 2nd quarter with Hunter McCarty drawing the helper. Noah Sorenson continued the onslaught to cap off a 6-0 run by the Cardinals. The Wolverines ended the run with a goal, but Hunter McCarty notched a powerplay goal to make the score 7-1. Both teams continued to trade markers with Devin Wolever completing his hat trick at the 2:15 mark. CUAA led 7-4 at halftime.
Blake Blaisdell wasted no time starting the third quarter with a goal. Hunter McCarty and Noah Sorenson chipped in their second goals of the game to continue extending the Concordia lead. Blake Blaisdell and Hunter McCarty both completed their hat tricks and the Cardinals held the Wolverines scoreless in the third quarter. CUAA held a 13-4 lead heading to the final frame.
UM-Dearborn attempted a late rally with four goals in the 4th quarter, but the Concordia defense was able to maintain their lead. Sam Bowling made 4 saves in net during the quarter and Hunter McCarty notched his 4th tally of the game with 2:40 remaining. CUAA claimed the 14-8 win as time expired.
Concordia improves to 5-0 and will host Aquinas on Wednesday, March 31 at 12pm.
