GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – While the baseball and softball teams enjoy the warm Florida weather during spring break, the Aquinas men's lacrosse team remained home to host Missouri Baptist in the first of three spring break contests. The Saints built a commanding first-half lead and coasted in the final two quarters for a 16-8 victory over the Spartans.

Aquinas 16, Missouri Baptist 8

The Saints wasted no time setting the tone, jumping out to a 5-1 lead in the first quarter behind goals from Nico Kittredge and Brandon Klingelsmith. They carried that momentum into the second quarter, adding five more goals, including a man-up tally from Tj Murphy, to take a 10-3 lead into halftime.

Missouri Baptist attempted to rally in the second half, scoring five goals after the break, but Aquinas maintained control. Cade Linnemeyer and Alex Rolands each netted key goals in the final stretch, ensuring the Saints' undefeated start to the season remained intact.

With the win, Aquinas improves to 2-0 on the season and perhaps climbs higher in the next national rankings.

By the Numbers

·         Cade Linnemeyer, Alex Rolands, and Nico Kittredge each scored four goals to pace the Saints' offense.

·         Brady Waling and Tj Murphy contributed three assists apiece, while Collin Wildman added two.

·         Aquinas outshot Missouri Baptist 37-22, including a dominant 13-5 advantage in the first quarter.

·         The Saints controlled possession with a 15-12 edge in face-offs and a 19-20 success rate on clears.

·         Aquinas scooped up 46 ground balls compared to Missouri Baptist's 35.

·         Goalie Austin Hynote made five saves in the victory.

Coach's Take Following the game, head coach Peter Treppa acknowledged the victory while stressing areas for improvement.

"We played a strong first half, but I would have liked to see more consistency in the second half. We let up a little too much, and against tougher competition, that can come back to bite us. We'll clean things up and be ready for our next game."

Up Next The AQ men's lacrosse team will continue its spring break homestand on Tuesday, seeking its third win of the season as they host Benedictine at 6 p.m. at the Aquinas College Athletic Field.