Box Score WORCESTER, MASS. – A slow start didn't prevent Colgate from equaling its highest goal total of the year as the Raiders defeated Holy Cross 14-12 in the season finale for both teams. Seven different Raiders scored in the contest.
 
The first quarter was a feeling out process for both teams. Colgate broke the ice halfway thorough the period on a Brendan Jordan goal from the right side off an assist by Brian Minicus. The Crusaders evened the score four minutes later and the period ended tied at 1-1.
 
Goals came in flurries in the second quarter. Brian Minicus scored at the 13:38 mark, faking to the left side of the rear of the cage and going back to the right side to fire the shot. Again, Holy Cross got the equalizer just over two minutes later and took the lead off the faceoff just eight seconds after that. A third straight goal gave the Crusaders a 4-2 lead. Michael Minicus stopped the run scooping a ground ball in front of the Holy Cross cage off an unsettled situation and burying the rock five minutes into the session. A second-wrap around to the right side by Brian Minicus evened the game with 8:53 remaining in the quarter. Michael Minicus again took advantage of an unsettled situation and found net with an over the shoulder shot at 6:12. Off the ensuing face off Thomas Colucci found Jack Turner for a goal just nine seconds later. Ben Trumble took a pass from Brian Minicus in front of the goal and found net with slightly over two minutes to go to complete a five-goal Raider run and end the period's scoring opening a 7-4 Raider halftime lead.
 
Just as in the first period, Jordan opened the second half scoring, again assisted by Brian Minicus just over a minute into the third quarter. Holy Cross broke the string with a goal at the 9:39 mark and doubled that up at 8:53. The Crusaders then fired in their third goal in 64 seconds to drop the Raider advantage to 8-7. Turner stopped the Holy Cross run from the top right side off a helper from Trumble midway through the period. The Crusaders crept to within one with 4:23 left. Ryan Decker put Colgate back up by two off an assist by Turner. Marshal Terres beat the clock to end the quarter with an unassisted goal for an 11-8 Raider lead.
 
The Minicus brothers gave the Raiders a 12-8 lead as Michael took a feed from Brian with 6:12 left in regulation. Michael's third goal marked the third game this season in which he deposited three markers. Trumble joined the multi-goal parade with his second score of the game with 5:20 remaining. Terres notched his second goal of the game at 2:46. Four quick Crusader scores in the final two minutes produced the 14-12 final.
 
Michael Minicus' three goals led the Raiders while brother Brian had six points on a pair of goals and four assists. Terres, Turner, Trumble and Jordan each had a pair of goals. Michael Minicus also picked up three ground balls and caused two turnovers. Colucci won 14 of 22 faceoffs and had eight ground balls to go along with his assist. Aidan Murnane had a pair of ground balls and a pair of caused turnovers. Matt LaCombe made 10 saves while allowing eight goals before being relieved at the end of the fourth quarter.

FROM THE SOURCE
Head Coach Matt Karweck:
"Our guys did a great job taking care of business tonight. With 3 minutes to go and up 5, we had a chance to play a handful of seniors that have worked tirelessly for 4 years. Even though we gave up a few goals at the end there, it was great to feel the energy from the sideline erupt as we watched the senior class end their career with a WIN. A moment that they will never forget.

"Let me take a minute to express my love and admiration for this senior class. I knew early from the start of my career that this class was going to be special. They are incredible leaders, loving sons, loyal teammates, and overall just amazing young men. It is because of their character, their parents' values, and their unwavering dedication to this program that has allowed us to change the culture here at Colgate.

"Today, Colgate Lacrosse stands atop the foundation of Grit, Growth, & Gratitude. We have been hardened with tough losses, tight games with excellent competition, and hard fought victories. When you watch us play, you can feel our competitive heat. You know we will battle for every ground ball, and you know that you are about to face a tough, scrappy, hard-nosed team that will fight for everything. THAT is what these seniors have set as the new standard for how we play…in games, and at practice everyday.

"To Sean, John, Luke, Aidan, Thor, Ryan, Will, Peter, Brendan, Marshall, and Brian…THANK YOU. Your legacy here will never be forgotten. The future of Colgate Lacrosse is bright and it is all because of you 11."

UP NEXT
Colgate (4-9, 3-5 Patriot) has ended its season.