MISSOULA, Mont. – Tension-filled fourth quarters were the story in the first two College of Idaho-University of Montana meetings in the title game of the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League Division II Championships. Today, at Washington-Grizzly Stadium,
Casey Davies left no doubt which team was tops in the league, scoring four fourth quarter goals to lead the Yotes to a 17-8 victory and their second-straight crown.
Two years ago, the Grizzlies (9-6) scored three goals in the final two minutes to top C of I, 12-9, while last season, the Yotes needed overtime to top UM, 11-10. This season, the Coyotes never trailed in the match – clinching the PNCLL's automatic bid to the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association Division II Championships, May 6-11, in Salt Lake City.
Davies and
Tyler Sanchez each recorded first quarter hat tricks, as the No. 6-ranked Coyotes (12-0) took a 6-1 lead late in the period and a 9-2 lead to the break.
The Griz would not quit, as an Aidan Larson goal started a quick strike UM attack that cut the margin to 12-8 early in the fourth quarter.
Enter Davies, who tallied an unassisted goal with just over three minutes left in the game and found the next after
Hank Ontiveros won the ensuing face-off – part of a five goal flurry in the last 180 seconds.
Davies had eight goals on the day and led all players in the tournament with 15 goals – giving the freshman 57 for the season – two off the school record.
Sanchez had three goals, with Ontiveros adding two goals and four assists.
C of I will learn their pairing for the MCLA Championships on Monday.
