Lacrosse Wins at Home for Senior Day

Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College men’s lacrosse team was back at home tonight as they played host to the Braves of Ottawa University. The Braves, who are receiving votes in the latest edition of the NAIA men’s lacrosse national rankings, came into tonight’s contest with a 3-5 overall record. 

Before the match started, seniors Matthew Cessna and Declan Irelan were both recognized as part of the Cougars’ Senior Day. 

Columbia got on the board first with two quick goals from Matthew Cessna, both assisted by Fletcher Wood. 

Leading 2-0 after the first quarter, the Cougars also scored first in the second with another goal from Cessna. Ottawa would respond with under five minutes until halftime, cutting the Cougar lead to 3-1. 

In the third quarter, the Cougars were outscored by the Braves 2-1. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Cougars led 4-3. 

Cessna scored his fourth goal of the match under two minutes into the fourth quarter to put the Cougars up 5-3. Less than two minutes later, Ottawa responded with a goal of their own from Ethan NewMyer. 

Drake Morrissey scored back-to-back goals to give Columbia a 7-4 with nine minutes left to play. 

From there, both teams traded possessions until Reid McDowell scored for Ottawa to cut the Columbia lead to 7-5. 

Then, with just 12-seconds left to play, Ottawa used a man-up opportunity to convert and capitalize with another goal. 

Leading 7-6, the Cougars held the ball for the final seconds of the game to claim the win. 

Statistical Leaders:

• Goals: Matthew Cessna (4), Drake Morrissey (2), Zach Baker (7)
• Assists: Fletcher Wood (2), Drake Morrissey, William Rusk, Kail Mattis
• GB: Colby Adelsberger (4), Drake Morrissey (2), Zach Baker (2), Cade Musgrave (2), Kai Garriock (2)
• Saves: Bryce Peltier (28)