Men’s Lax Beats Down Birds With 15-Goal Rout

The Middlebury men’s lacrosse team won its fifth straight NESCAC game this Saturday, April 12 at Trinity by a score of 15-4. With the win, the Panthers tied up their overall record at 6-6. While their number of wins and losses are even, the majority of the team’s wins have come in the second half of the season.

Head Coach Dave Campbell commented on his team’s trend of improvement.

“We did change our style of play a bit after our first few NESCAC games but the turnaround in our team has come from gaining experience and confidence during the first part of the season,” Campbell said. “We’ve played arguably the toughest schedule in the country up until this point and have learned a lot about ourselves along the way.”

Against Trinity, many of Middlebury’s goals came in quick succession. To start of the contest, Middlebury scored six times; however, the Bantams were quick to answer, scoring with only 23 seconds left in the first half. As halftime neared, a faceoff went the way of Middlebury and they were able to increase their lead from a five to six.

Going in to the third quarter, the Panthers pushed forward and were able to extend their lead as they scored eight more goals. Five more goals were netted for Middlebury as they closed out the contest with a final mark of 15 goals.

Five goals from Stephen Seymour ’14 were instrumental in the Panther victory, and he came away as the largest contributor to Middlebury’s goal tally.

“Stephen has raised his game throughout the season and has turned himself into one of the better off ball players in the league,” Campbell said.

Sophomores Jon Broome ’16 and Tim Giarrusso ’16 also aided Middlebury with three goals apiece. Contributing two more was fellow sophomore Jack Rautiola ’16. Harrison Goodkind ’16 caused two turnovers and also scooped up a pair of ground balls.

Senior Nate Gaudio ’14 was impressive again in the net, recording 12 saves in the win.

“Nate Gaudio has been outstanding for us in goal,” Campbell said. “Nate is one of the best goalies in the country and to have him directing our defense allows everyone on the field to play with more confidence.”

Coach Campbell also gave credit to junior defender Christian Bonaventura ’15, who came off the bench to help Middlebury secure the win.

“[Bonaventura] is one of the most selfless members of our team. We wouldn’t be where we are right now without the attitude and energy he brings each day.”

Back in action on a rainy Youngman field against Skidmore on Tuesday, April 15, the Panthers used a four-goal second quarter to breeze past the Thoroughbreds 18-10.

Broome led Middlebury against Skidmore with four goals, while David Murray ’15 added a hat-trick of his own. Rautiola’s four assists were tops for Middlebury in the game.

The Panthers have another game this weekend when they are away at Colby on Saturday April 19. As they near the end of the regular season, the final conference games become important in determining Middlebury’s seed in the NESCAC tournament. Once Middlebury receives its seed, the location of the tournament’s first round will be announced.

“Our goal for the rest of the season is to improve as much as we can each day we’re together and to keep our journey going as long as we can,” Campbell said. “The exciting thing about this team is we are so young and relatively inexperienced that we can still make some great strides in a short period of time. I can’t wait to see where we are as a group come playoff time.”