Men’s lacrosse team loses 19-11 at Oberlin in season-opener

OBERLIN, Ohio – The Olivet College men's lacrosse team lost 19-11 to Oberlin (Ohio) College in its season-opener today at the Austin E. Knowlton Athletics Complex in Oberlin, Ohio.

The Yeomen scored the first goal only 15 seconds into the game. The Comets answered with a man-up goal by junior Nino Minaudo off a pass from senior Dakota Badder. After Oberlin went back up 2-1, Minaudo tied the game for Olivet. Junior Tyler Polendo assisted on the goal. The Yeomen grabbed a 6-2 lead with four straight goals, including two in the final seven seconds of the first quarter.

Oberlin added another goal one minute into the second quarter to take a 7-2 lead. Badder scored the Comets' second man-up goal of the game off a feed from Polendo. The Yeomen answered with two straight goals for a 9-3 advantage. Olivet ended the second period on a 3-0 run to cut its deficit down to three, 9-6, at halftime.

The Yeomen took a 13-8 advantage into the final quarter by out-scoring the Comets, 4-2, in the third quarter. Oberlin also doubled-up Olivet, 6-3, in the fourth quarter to cause the final 18-11 score.

The Comets finished the game with 39 shots. Badder led the way with a team-best seven points (five goals and two assists) and 13 shots. Minaudo added four points (three goals and one assist) and eight shots. Junior Charlie Haesler and sophomore Nate Roberts each caused three turnovers, with senior Curtis French scooping up a team-best five ground balls. Senior Ryan McGee played all 60 minutes in goal and collected nine saves.

Olivet will make its home debut next Saturday against Concordia (Wis.) University. Game time at the Cutler Athletic Complex is 1 p.m.