Grand Rapids, Mich. — Playoff lacrosse at the Aquinas Athletic Field had everything Thursday night.
Energy. Emotion. Execution.
And unfortunately for the Saints, a second-half surge that turned a heavyweight fight into a final score that didn't fully reflect how tight this game truly was.
For the third time this season, Aquinas and Indiana Tech met with everything on the line in the WHAC Semifinals. AQ entered with confidence, having taken both regular-season meetings — including a win just days prior — and early on, it looked like the Saints were ready to punch their ticket to the championship game.
Instead, after a back-and-forth first half, Indiana Tech used a decisive second-half run to pull away for a 21-11 victory, ending AQ's WHAC Tournament run on its home field.
Indiana Tech 21, Aquinas 11
From the opening whistle, it felt like a battle.
Braeden Williams got things started, finishing off an assist from Ian Wright to give AQ the early lead. Indiana Tech answered quickly, but Collin Wildman responded right back, setting the tone for a fast-paced, high-level opening quarter.
Back and forth they went.
After the Warriors grabbed their first lead, TJ Murphy answered to even things at 3-3. Indiana Tech pushed ahead again, but Murphy and Wildman connected late in the quarter to keep the Saints within one, trailing 5-4 after the opening 15 minutes.
The second quarter felt like a swing moment — and for a stretch, it belonged to Aquinas.
Austin Hynote made a key early save, and the Saints responded with a gritty sequence. William Larriuz won the faceoff, Ty Pappas scooped the ground ball, and Wildman buried his second goal of the night. Moments later, Ben Cash found the equalizer, tying the game at 6-6.
The crowd felt it. The momentum was there.
Hynote followed with back-to-back saves, and both defenses locked in during a critical stretch. But late in the half, Indiana Tech found another gear, scoring three straight goals to take a 9-6 lead into the break.
That run carried into the third quarter.
The Warriors opened the second half with two quick strikes, creating separation for the first time all night. Aquinas refused to go quietly — Max Sist forced a turnover, Jaiden Woodson tracked down the ground ball, and on an extra-man opportunity, Jake Koning converted off a Wright assist.
Still within reach.
Wildman completed his hat trick later in the quarter, and Murphy added another goal, but Indiana Tech continued to answer, taking a 14-8 advantage into the fourth.
Then came the decisive stretch.
Indiana Tech opened the final quarter with four straight goals, turning a competitive semifinal into a steep climb. Aquinas kept battling — Dillon Wieschhorste's ground ball led to Wildman's fourth goal of the night, and Koning added his second, this time off a Murphy assist — but the gap proved too much.
The final horn sounded with Indiana Tech advancing, and Aquinas left the field knowing just how close — and how quickly — the game had shifted.
Saints Snapshots
• A Heavyweight Fight Early — Saints trade punches with a top contender in a high-level semifinal battle
• Wildman Delivers on the Stage — four-goal night fueling the AQ offense when it mattered most
• Momentum in the Middle — Hynote's saves and a 6-6 tie had the Saints in control of the moment
• The Late Second-Quarter Shift — a three-goal swing changes the tone heading into halftime
• A Run That Decided It — Indiana Tech's second-half surge creates the separation in a game that was tighter than the final
Coach's Comments
A disappointed but honest Head Coach Peter Treppa reflected on both the opportunity and what still lies ahead:
"Credit to Indiana Tech — they capitalized on their runs and executed when they needed to. We felt like we were in a great position early, especially being at home and having beaten them twice already this season. That's what makes this one tough — we had an opportunity in front of us and didn't take advantage of it.
At the same time, I'm proud of this group. They've put together a strong body of work all season, competed at a high level in this conference, and represented Aquinas the right way. Now we wait, and we believe we've done enough to be in the conversation for an at-large bid. If we get that opportunity, we'll be ready."
Up Next
Despite the semifinal setback, the Saints remain firmly in the conversation for an at-large bid to the NAIA National Tournament.
Aquinas finished the regular season at 10-2 in WHAC play, backed by consistency on both ends of the field, signature wins throughout conference play, and a body of work that stacks up among the top programs in the nation.
Now comes the waiting game.
The resume is there.
The belief is there.
And the opportunity may still be there.
If called upon, the Saints won't just be participants — they'll be a team ready to make noise on the national stage.
Because if Thursday night proved anything, it's this:
Aquinas can play with anyone.
And their story may not be finished yet.
