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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

Men’s Lacrosse Improves to 3-0 with 11-4 Victory over Connecticut College

Following a 4-9 season that saw last year’s Middlebury men’s lacrosse team fail to qualify for the NESCAC tournament and record its first losing season since 1990, this year’s season is off to a far more auspicious start. The team improved its record to an unblemished 3-0 with an 11-4 win on the road at Connecticut College on Saturday, March 16.

Earlier in the week, the squad romped to an 18-12 victory at home against Springfield on Wednesday, March 13.

With last season’s underwhelming results in mind, sophomore Joel Blockowicz ’15 spoke of his team’s attitude during this early part of the campaign.

“We are all aware of the amount of talent on the roster and the potential we have to be a very successful team,” said Blockowicz. “After a very disappointing season last year, the guys understand that nothing is going to be handed over to us. The dynamic at practice has become much more competitive and upbeat with guys really trying to make each other better. To me, this is the most important aspect of being a great team. Also, I think the seniors and captains have done a really good job laying out our goals and expectations for the season.”

Despite the Panthers’ offensive dominance, the Camels built an early 2-1 lead by the end of the first quarter. Andrew Metros ’13 opened the scoring for Middlebury 5:31 into the game before Conn. College responded with two unassisted tallies at the end of the period.

The home team added another goal to extend its lead over Middlebury to 3-1 with 13:45 remaining in the second quarter.

From there, however, the Middlebury offense kicked into high gear. Metros added his second of the game with 8:59 to go before first-year sensation Jon Broome ’16 tied the game at three with his ninth goal of the year on an extra-man opportunity for Middlebury. Stew Kerr ’13 recorded the Panthers’ final goal of the half with 26 seconds left, putting them ahead 4-3.

To open the scoring in the second half, Mike Giordano ’13 found a helper from George Curtis ’14 – again on the man-up – with 8:59 remaining. After another Camels’ goal with 7:06 on the clock in the third, Middlebury controlled the game.

Broome scored his second of the game to close out the third quarter before Blockowicz, Metros and Kerr pushed the lead to 9-4 with 7:05 left in the game. Then, Brian Ayers ’14 and Broome piled it on in the game’s last 1:30 to cement an 11-4 win.

With his hat trick, Broome has now recorded at least three goals in his first three college lacrosse games. He is now tied for second in the NESCAC with 11 goals on the year, behind only Ian Deveau’s (Colby) 12.

Harrison Goodkind ’16 reflected on his team’s performance in the win.

“For this game especially, being able to win 11-4 after being down 3-1 in the beginning of the game shows our team’s mental toughness and level-headedness,” said Goodkind. “Also, for our defense to come back after an unacceptable game against Springfield and hold Conn to only four goals is huge.”

Blockowicz is excited about the team’s chances headed into the teeth of the NESCAC schedule.

“I think the first three games have shown our team potential,” said Blockowicz We have shown we can win in many different ways with strong defense, a balanced offense and great communication and goaltending. When we are playing our best lacrosse it has become apparent that many teams cannot hang with us.”

The Panthers take on conference foe Wesleyan at home this Saturday, March 23, before facing Hamilton and Bowdoin over spring break on March 27 and 30, respectively.

“As we get deeper into the season it will be interesting to see if we can have this explosion and consistency throughout the whole game,” said Blockowicz. “The goal is to be playing our best lacrosse in May.”


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