Gorham, Maine - The excitement was real today for the Mules.  Coach Guy Van Arsdale said of the game, "The best part was the smiles. At times we played well with purpose and at other times it looked like we hadn't played in 385 days but who's counting. I'm proud of how are guys have handled themselves to make today a reality. We are all so grateful to all of the people at Colby who have put on the extra time and work to help us to this day."  The Mules played the University of Southern Maine Huskies today, winning 17-3. Colby put up five goals in the first quarter by four different scorers. Colby played a quick offensive game in the first 15 minutes, with many dodges and a notable crease roll by junior midfielder, Jack Rickards (23) in response to a high-pressure defense by USM. The second quarter opened with a series of turnovers, which turned into a more patient, spread out offensive formation in the first few minutes. By the second half of the quarter, Colby switched to a tighter formation with more men playing the center. Defensively, Colby used a high pressure, causing many missed shots and turnovers. At the end of the quarter, Colby led USM 9-5.
 

The beginning of the second half saw a quick goal in under ten seconds by junior midfielder, Will Dodge (15). While shots at the beginning of the third quarter were long distance, the attack
transitioned to an effective tight passing game, which forced USM into an unbalanced defensive position. A high-pressure defense was utilized by both teams, with Colby's defense forcing USM attackers to work from more settled plays. Four goals were scored by Colby in the third quarter. The last 15 minutes saw four more goals, two scored by sophomore attacker, Henry Popko (21). The fourth quarter saw a larger passing game, which resulted in several cross-crease goals, as well as a continued high-pressure defense. Sophomore keeper Matt Rocha (17) put up an impressive nine saves against twelve on-goal shots from USM.

USM made three goals in three quarters with three different shooters. Junior keeper, Josh Cahill (14) saved four of 13 shots on goal and freshman goalie, Nathan Plourde (30) saved eight of 16 shots on goal. USM played a controlled, spread out attack as well and utilized an effective double and triple team on the ride.

Next Game: Colby Men's Lacrosse will travel to Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts to play the Jumbos on Saturday, April 10 at 2 pm.