Grand Canyon University Athletics
Austin Ekeroth
Photo by: Darryl Webb
GCU Lacrosse Wins MCLA National Title
5/16/2015 5:26:00 PM | General
Grand Canyon had five second-quarter goals, four in the final 2:34, and held off a strong Colorado club to win the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association national championship game, 9-8, at Chapman Stadium in Orange, Calif., Saturday.
Click here for a photo gallery from the game by GCU photographer, Darryl Webb.
Senior Carson Barton had a goal and four assists and was named the tournament MVP. His lone goal put GCU on the board early in the second, cutting Colorado's lead to 2-1. Austin Ekeroth had three of the late second-quarter goals, two were assisted by Barton.
Sophomore goalkeeper Brandon Suchand had 17 saves, his most in a single game during the national tournament.
"It was a long time coming," said Barton of the team's first national title, in only its fourth season in the MCLA. "I can't say enough about our defense and the play of Brandon Suchand. Winning a national championship is a surreal feeling. I'm at a loss for words."
GCU led 5-2 at halftime and extended the lead to 6-2, early in the third, on the first of two goals from Drew Dziadyk. Colorado cut the lead to one, three times, but was unable to tie or take the lead.
"I can't believe four years have gone by," said GCU coach Manny Rapkin, praising his senior class. "I'm so proud and happy for them and all of our supporters. We're very blessed to attend a university that knows the importance of athletics to the student experience."
Lucas DeJong, Dean Fairall and Tyler Ekeroth also had goals for GCU.
GCU finished the season with a 16-1 record, winning its final 15 contests.
The MCLA serves a national organization of non-NCAA, college lacrosse programs. The MCLA currently operates in the US and Canada with 200-plus teams in two divisions, across 10 conferences. The squad under Rapkin has amassed a 49-13 overall mark over the four seasons.
Click here for a photo gallery from the game by GCU photographer, Darryl Webb.
Senior Carson Barton had a goal and four assists and was named the tournament MVP. His lone goal put GCU on the board early in the second, cutting Colorado's lead to 2-1. Austin Ekeroth had three of the late second-quarter goals, two were assisted by Barton.
Sophomore goalkeeper Brandon Suchand had 17 saves, his most in a single game during the national tournament.
"It was a long time coming," said Barton of the team's first national title, in only its fourth season in the MCLA. "I can't say enough about our defense and the play of Brandon Suchand. Winning a national championship is a surreal feeling. I'm at a loss for words."
GCU led 5-2 at halftime and extended the lead to 6-2, early in the third, on the first of two goals from Drew Dziadyk. Colorado cut the lead to one, three times, but was unable to tie or take the lead.
"I can't believe four years have gone by," said GCU coach Manny Rapkin, praising his senior class. "I'm so proud and happy for them and all of our supporters. We're very blessed to attend a university that knows the importance of athletics to the student experience."
Lucas DeJong, Dean Fairall and Tyler Ekeroth also had goals for GCU.
GCU finished the season with a 16-1 record, winning its final 15 contests.
The MCLA serves a national organization of non-NCAA, college lacrosse programs. The MCLA currently operates in the US and Canada with 200-plus teams in two divisions, across 10 conferences. The squad under Rapkin has amassed a 49-13 overall mark over the four seasons.
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