Grand Rapids, Mich. — The Aquinas College #7 men's lacrosse team continued WHAC play at home on Wednesday (Apr. 10) by hosting the (RV) Lawrence Tech Blue Devils. The Saints started the game swiftly and reached out to an early lead. AQ went on to keep a lead for the entire contest. As the scoreboard rang its final roar, the Saints had earned another home win. Aquinas defeated Lawrence Tech 15-10.

Aquinas 15, Lawrence Tech 10

Aquinas entered the pitch with a hum and started the game with one. AQ started the game with five straight goals, the first four being unassisted. Jack Rioux, Brady Waling, Reed Chastain, Cooper Nienhuis were unassisted, while TJ Murphy blew open the front door with a pass from Waling. 

Lawrence Tech found two answers before the first quarter elapsed, making the difference 5-2.

The second quarter saw the Blue Devils push their scoring streak to three straight to slim the difference to 5-3. Here the Saints rebutted with their own three straight goals, rebalancing the difference to 8-3. Cade Linnemeyer, Murphy assisted by Linnemeyer, and Braeden Williams assisted by Murphy were the additions to the Saints difference. 

The third quarter is where both teams entered the shooting range as they pelted both goals. Nine total goals occurred, five for AQ and four for LTU. Nienhuis found the net with help from Dean Cooper, and then individually.  Cooper followed the lead with his first goal assisted by Charlie Bartles, and his second unassisted. Joseph Bretz found the final goal of the quarter with a pass from Erik Dosch. 

At the end of the third the scoreboard sat 13-7 in favor of AQ.

LTU found more traction in the final quarter as the pulled three goals to the Saints two. But the difference was too great as AQ still held their five point advantage. Nienhuis and Cooper collected a combination goal, as Linnemeyer and Nienhuis stamp the final goal of the contest.

That goal finalized the difference to 15-10 as the Saints stormed the field as they erupted in cheers.

By the Numbers

Nienhuis marches on with four goals and one assist to stamp five more points in his freshman year.

Cooper follows close behind with four points by taking two goals and two assists.

Linnemeyer and Murphy claim the third seat as they both stamped in two goals and one assist for three points each.

AQ held a better percentage as they shot 38 to LTU's 42.

Keeper Austin Hynote remains solid for the team with 12 saves.

The Saints just crept by the Blue Devils with 37 ground balls to their 34.

AQ also toggled 17 face offs to LTU's 11.

Up Next

The Saints of Aquinas will hold their final home game of the season on Saturday (Apr. 13) at 3:00 p.m. by hosting the #10 Siena Heights Saints. This final home game will also be AQ's Senior day. A ceremony will occur before the contest begins.