DENVER – The University of Denver men's lacrosse team (7-6, 1-2 GWLL) defeated the University of Detroit Titans (0-10) 10-1 on Friday afternoon at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. The game was initially scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m., but due to inclement weather the match was rescheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Rain progressed into heavy snow throughout the game, but the Pioneers were able to brave the elements and muster a victory.

The Pioneers were led by senior Joey Murray (Denver, Colo.) and junior Charley Dickenson (Dallas, Texas), who each had two goals in the win. Four different Pioneers added assists for Denver, while sophomore Brendan Deblois (Narragansett, R.I.) led Denver with seven ground balls.

The only offense of the first quarter came courtesy of senior Cory Schaeffler (Carmel, Calif.) who put his first goal of the season in the back of the net at the 12:09 mark of the first period, assisted by sophomore Todd Baxter (Eden Prarie, Minn.).

Just minutes into the second quarter, junior Cameron Kerr (Cherry Hills Village, Colo.) extended Denver's lead when he netted his first goal of the year. With just three seconds left in the half, Baxter scored his 14th goal of the year to put the Pioneers up 3-0 at the break. The Pioneers outshot the Titans 24-4 after one half of play, and held a 25-16 advantage in ground balls.

Schaeffler scored his second goal of the day early in the second half, while Dickenson followed with an unassisted strike just seconds later. Detroit made their first mark on the scoreboard with 13:02 remaining in the period when junior Pat O'Shea beat the Denver goalie on an assist from sophomore Matt Gregson to cut the Denver lead to 5-1.

Though the weather continued to deteriorate as heavy snow began to fall during the third quarter, sophomore Alex Drexler (New Canaan, Conn.) was able to net his first goal of the season on an assist from sophomore Jamie MacDonald (Providence, R.I.) to put Denver up 6-1.

Minutes later, Murray scored his 22nd goal of the season, assisted by sophomore Andrew Lay (Denver, Colo.). Murray scored again with 2:37 remaining in the half to carry an 8-1 lead into the break.

Just six seconds into the increasingly snowy fourth quarter, Baxter scored his second goal of the game, assisted by junior Ben Wahler (Denver, Colo.). With 5:45 remaining in the game, Dickenson scored his second goal of the day on an unassisted strike to put the Pioneers up 10-1, which would be the final score. Denver outshot the Titans 42-19 on the day, and led Detroit 44-35 in ground balls.

Denver continues its home stand on Sunday when the Pioneers host GWLL rival Ohio State at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium at 1:30 p.m.

2009-04-17