It was a game of efficiency and execution as the Clan hosted in-conference opponent Washington State Cougars on Terry Fox Field. The Clan controlled the entire game, treating the visiting Cougars to a constant onslaught of high-powered offence and rock-solid defence, dominating them 30–2.
Before the beatdown, it was an emotional day for the Clan. As it was Senior’s Day, the Clan brought the crowd’s attention to the graduating players and their parents and acknowledged their contributions and efforts over their years at SFU.
The Clan honoured five players before the game who will be graduating at the end of this season: long-stick middle (LSM) Riley Wanzer, defenceman Mark Hilker, goaltender Darren Zwack, and midfielders Brendan Ferrell and Travis Hayes.
The Clan also honoured Lt. Col Paul Paone, father of freshmen LSM Ian Paone, who returned from nine months in Afghanistan and was attending his first SFU Clan lacrosse game.
But after the ceremony, it was no holds barred.
The Clan owned every aspect of the game, going 19 for 30 on faceoffs, collecting an astounding 99 ground balls, and maintaining the ball offensively for a large majority of the game. All but three players recorded a ground ball in the game, and five different players recorded five each.
Seven Clan players had multi-point games, led by Ward Spencer who had a career-high 14-point game with nine goals and five assists. Clan leading scorer Tyler Kirkby had 10 (seven goals, three assists), followed by Lyndon Knuttila (three goals, two assists), Sam Clare (three goals, one assist), Iain Vickers (one goal, three assists), Jordan Lasher (one goal, two assists), and Hayes (two goals).
Meanwhile, a stifling Clan defence kept the Cougars away from goaltender Zwack, who faced only six shots the entire game.
The Clan’s home season is over, and they have just two more road trips to play #14 Texas and conference opponent Montana. The Clan’s record now sits at 6–0 in the conference and 10–2 on the season, boosting them up to #9 in the rankings. The Clan are looking to finish their season on a high note and carry their success into the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League finals, beginning May 2.
