The BYU lacrosse team returns to Provo after defeating three challenging competitors in California.
BYU had a three game trip to Arizona the week before which ended in BYU's first loss. However, the Cougars had redemption in this trip to California where they defeated two top 10 teams in the nation and another top program, the Oregon Ducks.
'We prepared for it,' BYU coach Matt Schneck said. 'We had it scheduled from the very beginning and we were preparing physically and mentally. Then the boys executed what we planned.'
BYU's Mike Fabrizio takes a shot in Saturday's game against Utah State University. (Photo by Elliott Miller)
Monday's game started the streak for the Cougars with a 5–1 lead in the first quarter. The Cougars topped the Ducks 10–5. The momentum continued for BYU as they played No. 8 University of California-Berkeley. The team got off to a quick start, outscoring the Golden Bears 6–0 in the first half. However, the Bears fought back in the third quarter scoring four goals in four minutes. BYU pulled out the win in a 10–7 victory against California.
BYU's final game was against the undefeated Stanford Cardinals who were ranked No. 3 in the nation. Again, BYU took off at the beginning the game, ending the first half up 7–4. The Cougars kept up the pressure in the second half and scored another six goals. For the first time in five games, BYU scored more than 10 points bringing down Stanford 13–7.
'We came out really fast these games,' senior captain Mickell Walker said. 'Usually we have to play catch up, but in these games we came out hard.'
The Cougars increase their record to 11–1 with a sole loss to Arizona State. The team looked refreshed this week as they competed against some of the best teams in the nation.
'We have been playing good lacrosse all year,' sophomore attackman Mike Fabrizio said. 'But we really hit a stride this week.'
BYU continues its games Saturday at home against the undefeated Colorado Buffalos.