April 23, 2004

Box Score

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Led by junior Greer Hanlon's (Libertyville, Ill.) hat trick, the No. 15 University of Denver men's lacrosse team topped the Butler Bulldogs, 16-5, at Varsity Field in Indianapolis, Ind. The Pioneers used four first-quarter scores to jump out to a 4-1 lead after 15 minutes of play and never looked back. With the win, Denver improves to 8-3 (3-1 Great Western Lacrosse League), while the Bulldogs fall to 5-7 (0-4 GWLL).

Hanlon scored the Pioneers' first tally of the game, just under four minutes into the first quarter. Butler's O'Toole got the Bulldogs on the board with 10:53 remaining, off a feed from Jason Soporito and ripping a shot from seven yards out. The goal tied the game at one. The Pioneers would then hold the Bulldogs scoreless over the next 24 minutes, while taking a 6-1 advantage. Sophomores Geoff Snider (Calgary, Alberta) and Adam Swain (West Simsbury, Conn.) each added a goal to end the quarter.

Juniors Matt Brown (Burnaby, B.C.) and Erik Swanson (Glenview, Ill.) each scored before the Bulldogs' O'Toole scored with 8:47 to play in the third period, pulling Butler within four at 7-3. The Pioneers responded once again, scoring four goals to close out the period. The last two came from the hands of sophomore Greg Weigel (Port Republic, Md.). He was one of five Pioneers to record two goals on the day.

The Pioneers continued to dominate and sealed the 16-5 win by adding five tallies in the final quarter. Senior Sean McDonagh (New Caanan, Conn.) and freshman Ryan Zordani (Littleton, Colo.) each added two to clinch the win.

Junior goalie Brian Sanders (Columbus, Ohio) recorded his 11th win of the season by making 15 saves in the game. The Bulldogs' Sam Ashley took the loss in net for the Bulldogs, making 13 saves in 60 minutes of work.

The Pioneers will continue conference play when they cross the border to face Ohio State on Sunday, April 25, at 11 a.m. MT.