Men's lacrosse team downed by Alma, 15-9, in MIAA-opener

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College men's lacrosse team opened Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play with a 15-9 loss against Alma College this evening under the lights at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

The Scots scored the first goal only 26 seconds into the game. The Comets leveled the score on a goal by senior Dakota Badder off a pass from junior Logan Krieger with 12:13 left in the opening quarter. Alma then scored seven consecutive goals, four to end the first period and three to start the second period, to take a 7-1. Junior Nino Minaudo got one goal back before Alma netted the final goal of the quarter for a 9-2 halftime lead.

The teams played an even third quarter. Senior Jack Ranson and freshman Zach Sanders scored the first two goals of the period before Alma scored two straight goals to go back up by seven, 11-4. Minaudo netted another goal off a feed from junior Tyler Polendo until Alma scored with 23 seconds left in the quarter to make the score 12-5.

To start the fourth quarter, the Comets and Scots traded goals to keep the score at a seven-goal difference, 13-6. Olivet started to mount a comeback with three consecutive goals in a three and one-half minute span to cut its deficit to four, 13-9. Alma scored the final two goals for its final margin of victory.

For the game, the Comets out-shot Alma, 33-31. The Scots placed 23 of their shots on-goal, while Olivet had 22 on-goal. Badder led the way for the Comets with 11 shots, including 10 on-frame, as he scored three goals. Minaudo also had three points with two goals and an assist. Kreiger finished with three points, with a team-best two assists. Senior Ryan McGee made eight saves in the cage.

Olivet travels to play Calvin College Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m.