Grand Rapids, Mich. — The Aquinas College #7 men's lacrosse team hosted the first round of the WHAC Tournament at the AQ Athletic Field against the #10 Saints of Siena Heights on Tuesday and Wednesday (Apr. 23-24) due to a weather delay. The contest saw AQ pull up early with a quick three straight goals. During the second quarter, the weather came to call and put the contest on pause. What was assumed a small weather break turned into the entire match being postponed to the following day (Apr. 24). Both teams once again met at the AQ Athletic Field and continued the second edition of the Saints Showdown. The battle was narrow as it was high stakes - a loss meant the end of either team's tournament run and, likely, the season. At the final horn, Aquinas just outmatched SHU with a 10-9 final score.

Aquinas 10, Siena Heights 9

AQ started this contest just the way they like to with three straight goals. Cade Linnemeyer opened up the shooting lane first with a pass from Joseph Bretz, Brady Waling walked in one by himself, and Linnemeyer double-dipped with a solo goal. Only one more goal was found for the remainder of the quarter, Siena Heights put themselves up on the board to not go into intermission empty-handed. The quarter ended with AQ up 3-1.

TJ Murphy opened up the second quarter with a goal with due help from Waling just 31 seconds into the period of play. SHU found some steam and answered with two goals. But AQ turned around and answered with two of their own. Dean Cooper from Waling, and Cooper Nienhuis alone.

The back and forth continued but no team found the back of the net for the remainder of the quarter. Entering halftime the scoreboard read 6-3 for an AQ advantage.

Halftime held the contest's tightrope tension as both pairs of Saints looked to walk away with a win to remain in tournament contention.

As the tension continued to rise, so did defensive efforts. Both teams only allowed a single goal in the third quarter. Dean Cooper sliced through the defense with a flick from Waling. 

The fourth quarter saw the tension break as both teams put in their last-ditch efforts to leave with their heads held high. Aquinas attempting to remain out in front and find a second win over the rival Saints of Siena Heights. While SHU became ravenous in their attempt to march back the difference. 

Murphy opened the shooting gallery with a solo crack just 50 seconds into play with a nasty spin move to beat the defender. SHU managed a rebuttal to maintain the three-point difference of 8-5.

Braeden Williams joined the shooting lane with a flash pass from Murphy. Dean Cooper joined in on the late action with a boon from Waling. AQ had now pushed their advantage to 10-5 with just about nine minutes to play. Here is when Siena found their path to march on. 

With just over seven minutes remaining, Siena Heights launched a last effort offensive front that notched them four straight unanswered goals. With just about 40 seconds left, both Saints faced off with a single-point difference. SHU won the final face-off, lost the ball, and then regained it. But before SHU could have made a final effort, AQ bled the clock enough to hear it ring. AQ staved off the last-minute comeback and came out on top 10-9.

By the Numbers

Waling was the most generous as he assisted four goals and found one of his own. Cooper collected a hat trick. Murphy found two goals and one assist for three points.  Linnemeyer walked away with two goals for two points. Nienhuis, Bretz, and Williams all tallied one point.

Keeper Austin Hynote continues to hold out as he had 16 total saves. Siena Heights outshot AQ 42-34 and managed 38 ground balls to Aquinas' 35.

Up Next

The team has a quick turnaround as they face #9 Indiana Tech on Thursday (Apr. 25) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with a 5:00 p.m. contest start for the WHAC Tournament Semifinals.