The Idaho men’s club lacrosse team competed in its final home game of the season. The Vandals fell 11-10 in overtime to Gonzaga.
Idaho’s head coach Colton Raichl said the result was unfortunate, but the team is young and still building.
“Experience played a factor,” Raichl said. “Our mental fortitude needs to be a little bit stronger.”
Idaho will be returning all but two players next season, and Raichl said he is optimistic for the future of the program.
For seniors Andrew Spangler and Joe Langworthy, this was the final time they would suit up in front of a large Vandal crowd, which erupted after every Idaho score.
Idaho controlled most of the first half. The team capitalized on several key defensive plays, including several saves from sophomore goalkeeper Noah Kubowitsch that resulted in key offensive possessions for Idaho.
As the game went on, the Idaho cheers grew even louder. Gonzaga struggled to find an answer to the Vandals’ first-half rhythm, and Idaho concluded the second quarter with a 5-3 lead.
Kubowitsch continued to add to his total saves in the third quarter. He recorded 11 in the final half, which gave him 16 for the contest — most of them being at pivotal moments in the game.
Idaho held an 8-5 lead, at the end of the third quarter.
The Vandals scored almost immediately in the final quarter, giving Idaho its largest lead in the game.
With time ticking away when the Gonzaga comeback began. After scoring on three consecutive possessions, it was evident Gonzaga’s momentum was building.
Raichl said costly penalties from Idaho’s offensive players provided Gonzaga with several opportunities to gain the momentum.
Then Gonzaga managed to tie the game at 10-10. Idaho had possession, with only a minute left in regulation.
The fourth quarter was seconds from its conclusion, and the Vandals prepared for their final shot.
Idaho created a couple of good shot opportunities, but each one rattled out of the goal.
Once the horn sounded, regulation was in the books and overtime was set.
Gonzaga wasted no time getting to the Idaho goal and the Bulldogs earned the winning point.
Idaho looks to bounce back from the loss with two games remaining this season. Raichl said it would have been great to have the win, but the team has made tremendous improvements throughout the season.
The Vandals will travel and play the Montana Grizzlies April 15.
Zack Ozuna can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @OzunaZack21