UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. -  The No. 4 College of Idaho Lacrosse team captured it's third PNCLL Tournament Championship on Sunday after a nail-biting 12-11 win over No. 7 University of Montana. With the victory, the Yotes secured the automatic qualifier from the PNCLL to the MCLA National Championship Tournament.
 
The Griz started the game on a mission. Trying to avenge an earlier overtime defeat at Simplot Stadium, Montana scored the game's first three goals. Trailing by three, Trevor Shoopman opened up the Yotes goal scoring tab. Once the floodgates were open, the Yotes scored four more unanswered to take a 5-3 lead into the first break.
 
The Yotes stumbled again to concede early in the second quarter but steadied the ship to not allow another goal in the first half. The Yotes offense found it's magic touch and scored four more to end the half with a 9-4 lead. C of I could taste its first title since 2019.
 
The Yotes' led by as much as seven goals in the third but the Griz scored three goals to end the quarter. College of Idaho maintained a four-goal led into the fourth. After a late Montana penalty in the third quarter, C of I would start the fourth with the ball and a man advantage.
 
Looking to attack fast, Grayson Flatten took an early look that was barely off target. Trevor Shoopman's positioning allowed the Yotes to maintain possession. As soon as the ball went into play, Trevor Shoopman once again passed to Flatten who did not miss twice. The Yotes established a 12-7 lead only moments into the fourth quarter.
 
Despite the deficit, the Griz showed poise and grit. They clawed back goal after goal to put the Yotes' defense on their heals with a barrage of shots. In net, Brogan Rice made 19 saves. It was exactly the amount of saves for the Yotes to escape with a 12-11 victory as the clock reached zero. The College of Idaho once again stood atop of the PNCLL and celebrated accordingly.
 
As with much of the season, the Yotes' attack was very balanced. Grayson Flatten, Trevor Shoopman, Finn Simon, Henry Harris, and Colin Lantz all scored a pair of goals. Wyatt Neu, Luqa Longstreet, and Eli Longstreet, and Logan Bjornethun both added another goal. Trevor Shoopman led the team in assists by adding four with Neu showing off his playmaking ability with three assists in the championship game.
 
Noah Geise led the team in groundballs by picking up five and won 11 faceoffs.  Benjamin Milroy had a strong outing. He picked up a pair of loose balls and assisted on a goal.

Luqa Longstreet was named the PNCLL Tournament MVP for his performances in the semifinal and championship game.
 
Shortly after the victory, the Yotes were announced as the No. 5 seed in the MCLA National Championship Tournament and will open up their tournament with No. 12 seed University of Tampa on May 4^th in Richmond, Virginia.