OBERLIN, Ohio. - The Elmhurst University men's lacrosse team traveled to Oberlin, Ohio, and secured a thrilling 14-13 victory over the Oberlin Yeomen in a tightly contested battle Saturday afternoon.
The game saw momentum shifts throughout, with Elmhurst building early leads before Oberlin stormed back in the second period. Despite the Yeomen's strong push, Elmhurst dominated the third quarter and held off a late Oberlin surge in the fourth to seal the win. The Bluejays' balanced offensive attack and timely defense proved the difference in a highly competitive matchup.
Elmhurst's standout performer was Eli Spence, who notched four goals and two assists, playing a crucial role in the team's offensive output. Brenden Crouse contributed with two goals and an assist, while Hunter Hernandez recorded a hat trick of three goals. Pete Grebe and Kyle Taylor also made key contributions, each tallying two goals. Goalie Noah Mickelson stood strong in net, making nine saves, including crucial stops in the fourth quarter to preserve the lead.
The opening period was a defensive battle early on, with Oberlin striking first at 12:42 through Nicholas Cuda. Elmhurst quickly responded as Hernandez found the net three times in succession, scoring at 9:14, 7:10, and 2:54 to give the Bluejays a 3-1 lead heading into the second period. Elmhurst controlled possession, winning five faceoffs and outshooting Oberlin 10-7.
Oberlin came out firing in the second quarter, scoring four straight goals, led by Jacob Starcke's early dominance with goals at 14:04 and 12:58. Cooper Zancosky and Jack Duffy added to the Yeomen's tally, putting them ahead 5-3. Elmhurst regrouped, with Brenden Crouse scoring at 7:31 and Pete Grebe finding the net at 5:14. The quarter ended with a flurry of goals, including another from Starcke and a late tally from Elmhurst's Tony Vazquez. By halftime, Oberlin led 8-6, having outshot Elmhurst 14-9 in the frame.
The Bluejays dominated the third quarter, outscoring Oberlin 5-1 to reclaim control. Kyle Taylor opened the scoring at 10:42, followed by another goal from Pete Grebe at 9:03. Eli Spence took over late in the period, scoring twice, including a goal with just eight seconds left. Oberlin's lone goal came from Zancosky at 1:42, but Elmhurst's defensive adjustments limited their opportunities. By the end of the period, Elmhurst had regained the lead, 11-9.
Oberlin refused to go down without a fight, with Zancosky scoring early at 11:06 and Solomon Brennan adding another at 8:17. Starcke's goal at 8:02 tied the game at 11-11, setting up a dramatic finish. Elmhurst responded with goals from Crouse, Fischer Son, and Spence in a crucial stretch, restoring a 14-11 lead. Despite a late push from Oberlin, including a goal from Brennan with 33 seconds left, Elmhurst's defense held firm to secure the 14-13 victory in a thrilling contest.
UP NEXT
The Bluejays continue their road trip next Wednesday, March 12, at Aurora for a 5:00pm start.
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