The following is an article published on the 5th page of the
of the Spartan Daily, written by Daily staff writer Mark Smith, with photograph by Shannon M Slamon.
[Photo Caption] SJSU defensive player John Dalman blocks a pass in the lacrosse club's 18-17 win over UC-Irvine on Tuesday. The victory gave the club a 2-9 record for the season.
The SJSU Lacrosse Club ended its season on a high note with an 18-17 victory over the UC-Irvine club Tuesday afternoon at South Campus.
The club is attempting to schedule additional games.
"This was a good game to win, but a had game to lose," said third year Spartan player/coach John Hagele.
Breaking a seven game losing streak, the Spartans finished the regular season with a 2-9 mark. The loss dropped the Anteaters to 4-7.
UC-Irvine traveled with only 11 players and the Spartans took full advantage of it by jumping to a quick 7-2 first half lead.
They never looked back.
The Spartans were led by Joel Dibble's six goals and Hagele's four goals. They combined for seven out of the last nine goals scored in the second half. Hagele scored the last two, icing the victory.
Highlighted by these two outstanding performances, the bigger acheivement was the Spartan's ability to play as a team. Especially on offense.
SJSU's main weapon was a set offense. similar to basketball. This type of offense needs proficient passing, which the Spartans demonstrated with positive results.
Spartan senior mid-fielder Iliad Rodriquez made what is most likely his final collegiate game memorable, by dishing off four assists.
"The offense played well," said defensive man John Dalman.
The defense on the other hand had trouble containing the thin, but tough UC-Irvine offense. The Anteaters tied the score at 15 early in the fourth quarter, but the offense had enough firepower to hang on for the victory.
Even though the Anteaters were under-manned, the team showed great stamina and persistence. according to Spartan players.
Lacrosse combines the non-stop action of hockey and soccer with the contact of football.
Enthusiastic crowd support from approximately 30 Spartan fans, was inspirational in the Spartan's victory, players said.
"It was nice to see some friendly faces," said Hagele.
Only five Spartan rooters showed up to the "St. Patricks's Day massacre" at Santa Clara. which the SJSU lost handly 31-2.
The Spartan lacrosse club is trying to set up three games in the next two months against USC, UC-Davis, and Menlo College.
