(Ann Arbor, MI) – In a game that was the last to ever be played on Ferry Field at Cardinal Stadium, Concordia Men's Lacrosse had a storybook ending, winning their first every WHAC Tournament title and an automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship. Concordia hosted #5 seed Aquinas on Saturday afternoon for the WHAC championship. The Cardinals fed off the energy of their fans and earned a 17-10 victory to claim the title.
Joseph Loria played the full game in net with 11 saves. Aquinas scored first but the Cardinals answered on a goal by Travis Wright assisted by Ross Preston. The teams continued to trade goals with Ryan Davis also scoring on a feed from Preston. CUAA trailed 3-2 after the first quarter.
Cooper Regimbal tied the game early in the second quarter. Aquinas briefly retook the lead, but Travis Wright scored his second goal to start a 5-0 run. Andrew Simmons and Cooper Regimbal extended the run off an assist from Wright. Spencer Guppy scored and Travis Wright completed his hat trick to finish the run. CUAA held an 8-5 lead at halftime.
Aquinas scored to open the third quarter. Ross Preston responded with a goal and Cooper Regimbal finished his hat trick as well. Travis Wright scored in the last minute to give CUAA an 11-6 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Aquinas started the fourth quarter on a 3-1 run with Ryan Davis scoring for the Cardinals. Andrew Simmons and Travis Wright ended the run with goals just eight seconds apart. Simmons went on to complete his hat trick to extend the lead while adding a fourth goal as well. A quick blast from Ryan Davis in the final minute finished his hat trick and clinched the 17-10 victory.
While the Cardinals' time on their home turf may have come to an end, the team will now look to cap off an inspired season in Savannah, Georgia. CUAA has now secured a spot at NAIA nationals for the third straight season and will await their opponent.
