Utes Win Big in Season Opener
By Tim Haslam
Photos courtesy of Haslam Photography
The University of Utah men’s lacrosse team started their 2010 campaign on Friday by beating Boise State by the score of 23-5 at the Spence Eccles Field House in Salt Lake City.
Utah (1-0) was led by junior Mark Manning who transferred to Utah in the fall from rival BYU. Manning scored the first two goals for the Utes and finished with eight goals and three assists.
“Mark Manning was a nice addition for us,” said Utah Head Coach Craig Morris. “He got us a bunch of goals, but he also settles us down and kind of is the quarterback of that group in there.”
Utah jumped out to a four goal lead before Boise State (0-1) was able to find the back of the net late in the first quarter. 4 seconds before the quarter ended, Utah midfielder Danny Polityka scored to give the Utes a 5-1 lead.
The Utes scored five unanswered goals to start the second quarter. Utah freshman attackmen Tyler Kunz scored his first collegiate goal on a man-up play with 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter. Kunz went on to record five goals and two assists in his debut with the Utes. The Utes took a 13-2 lead into halftime.
Utah wasted no time in the second half, scoring just 9 seconds after the opening face-off. Polityka won the face-off, started a fast break, dished to Manning who then found Kunz streaking across the middle to give the Utes a 14-2 lead.
Utah continued to roll and held Boise State to 3 goals in the second half.
“Defensively I thought we played pretty good,” said Morris. “We play straight six-on-six defense and did a nice job in the man-down. I thought our goalies did a nice job for us. Two young, new goalies and I think they played well in their first game.”
Utah will be in action again on February 26th against Montana State at the Spence Eccles Field House.
Tim Haslam is a Journalism hobbyist who enjoys fly-fishing, watching Real Salt Lake and coaching and covering lacrosse. You can find more information about Tim at www.timhaslam.com
