LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. –
Nich Guzzetti had scored a school record 192 goals in his College of Idaho career. His 193rd goal was the most important in program history – as the senior's unassisted tally 90 seconds into overtime lifted the Coyotes to an 11-10 victory in the championship game of the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League Tournament.
With the win, the Coyotes (11-2) advance to the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association Division II National Championships, May 7-12, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
C of I trailed by three goals on three different occasions – as the Grizzlies (11-3) James Pierce scored four consecutive first quarter goals to give UM a 4-1 lead just seven minutes into the match. The Yotes battled back in the second quarter, as a
Jason Leach goal started a three goal surge – pulling even at 4-4 after a
Joey Brant unassisted goal.
Aidan Larson answered for the Griz, scoring three late goals in the second quarter, giving the defending champs a 7-5 lead at the break.
Guzzetti started the Yotes rally midway through the, scoring a pair of goals, with a Brant marker early in the fourth quarter tying the score at 9-9. The two teams traded goals – with the clubs failing to find the net over the final six minutes of regulation.
The Yotes initially won the overtime face off, but coughed up possession – with the Grizzlies getting one shot on goal, but the C of I defense was able to clear. Guzzetti took a pass along the right side, made a move right of the cage and rocketed a shot into the upper left corner of the net to set off a celebration.
Guzzetti and
Tyler Sanchez each scored three goals, with Brant scoring two goals and assisting on two others. Larson scored six goals and Pierce had four to lead the Griz.
The MCLA Division II National Tournament bracket will be released later tonight.
