Cougars Overcome by Braves in KCAC Tournament

St. Louis, Mo. – The Columbia College lacrosse team ended their season today as they fell to the top-seeded Braves of Ottawa University in the championship game of the KCAC Men’s Lacrosse Tournament. 

Under first-year Interim Head Coach Kody Swann, the Cougars once again made it to the championship game of the KCAC lacrosse tournament. 

The Cougars could not have asked for a better start as they jumped out to a 5-1 lead after the first quarter with goals from Matthew Cessna, Kail Mattis, William Rusk, and Fletcher Wood. 

The Braves responded with four goals of their own in the second, with just two from CC in that of Kai Garriock and Zach Baker. At the half, the Cougars held a narrow 7-5 lead. 

Ottawa scored two quick goals to open the third quarter, but a goal from Drake Morrissey stopped the scoring run and gave the Cougars the lead again, 8-7.

Samuel Snyder scored for the Braves with five and a half minutes remaining in the third. That was followed with two more goals in the last ten seconds of play, putting Ottawa ahead 10-8 at the end of the third. 

Zach Baker struck first for Columbia in the fourth with a goal that was followed by another goal from Matthew Cessna to tie the game, 10-10. 

The Braves found a late offensive surge and managed to score two more goals to win the game, 12-10. 

Statistical Leaders:

• Goals: Matthew Cessna (2), Fletcher Wood (2), Zach Baker (2), William Rusk, Drake Morrissey, Kail Mattis, Kai Garriock
• Assists: Kai Garriock (3), William Rusk, Drake Morrissey, Colby Adelsberger
• GB: Austin Scales (9), Bryce Peltier (6), Colby Adelsberger (3)
• Saves: Bryce Peltier (16)