ALMA, Mich. – The Alma College men's lacrosse team returned to Bahlke Field on Saturday, March 22nd for their final non-conference game of the season, facing off against the Panthers of Hanover College. The Panthers ended the Scots win streak at seven as Hanover took the afternoon game by a final score of 11-5.
Hanover tallied the first goal of the contest two minutes into play, and did not look back after taking their lead. Another three goals from the Panthers would come in the first quarter, taking a 4-0 lead into the second frame.
In the second, Hanover increased their lead to five before the Scots netted their first of the contest. Ayden Hibdon broke the ice for the Scots as he received a pass from MJ Humpreys that set him up perfectly in front of the crease to find the back of the net. Alma then added their second consecutive just over five minutes later on a man-up opportunity as Kevin Koenn rifled one into the back of the net, cutting the Panther lead down to three. Hanover added an additional goal before halftime in the final minute, bringing the halftime score to 6-2 in favor of the visitors.
Hanover came out of the break adding two more goals to increase their lead to six before the Scots offense found their groove again. MJ Humphreys put a halt to the Panther scoring as he tallied one himself. Following the goal, after a face off win from Dylan Smith, Smith found an open Koenn who then gave it back to Smith for another Scots goal, bringing Alma within four. After a final minute goal from the Panthers, Alma headed into the fourth trailing 9-4.
In need of a comeback, the Scots looked to make offensive possessions count in the fourth, though Hanover scored the first goal of the final frame. Alma would net one goal shortly after from Smith on a pass from Koenn to match the Panthers fourth quarter goal, but Alma would be held scoreless for the rest of the game following the tally. Hanover added an additional goal in the final five minutes, bringing the final score to 11-5.
Koenn led the Scots offensively with three points on two assists and a goal. Smith and Humphreys both followed behind with two points in the game as well. Smith would lead the Scots in ground balls with three and four Scots players tied with one caused turnover each. Preston Stelljes played all 60 minutes in the cage for Alma registering a career high 20 saves.
Alma will now turn their head towards conference action as they will host Calvin University on Wednesday, March 26th to open up conference play. Game time is set for a 7:00 PM faceoff.
