Spartans defeat Western Michigan 19-7 on Senior Night

Michigan State Men's lacrosse team defeated Western Michigan 19-7 to wrap up their regular season Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association (CCLA) conference schedule with a 5-1 record. The Spartans earned the #1 seed in the CCLA conference tournament to be held April 29-30 at High Mark Stadium at Station Square in Pittsburgh.

Sparty, one of college sport's most recognizable mascots, paid a visit during pregame and took photographs with nine MSU seniors who were playing their final game at Ralph Young Field. The Spartans led 4-2 after the first quarter and 8-3 at halftime. They pulled ahead with a strong all-around third quarter and led 13-6 heading into the fourth quarter. 

Senior attack Mitch Newton (Rockford, MI) had a big final night at Ralph Young Field with two goals and five assists and senior Mark Tratt (DeWitt, MI) chipped in with two ground balls, one goal and one assist. Senior close defender, Grant Kerney (Walled Lake Central, MI) had two ground balls and senior midfielder Gino Scarpelli (Flint Powers Catholic, MI) made a strong contribution with three ground balls and two assists on the night.

Charlie Pistner (Cranbrook School, MI), a freshman attack, contributed in all phases with two ground balls, five goals and two assists in the game. Pistner and the entire Spartan team forced numerous Bronco turnovers thanks to  aggressive riding when Western Michigan gained possession.

State's face off unit dominated the game, winning more than 70% of the draws.  Four different Spartans took face offs during the game, with freshman midfielder John Toth (St Frances de Sales, OH) and freshman long stick midfielder/close defender Conor Lynch (Brewster Academy, NH) taking the majority of draws. Face off unit members Freshman Sam Uecker (Forest Hills Central, MI) picked up four ground balls and freshman long stick midfielder Hunter MacDonald (Orchard Lake St Marys, MI) had a ground ball and scored a goal. Freshman JT Hudson (Forest Hills Central, MI) and Gino Scarpelli were also integral members of the face off specialty unit for the Spartans.

Senior midfielder Trevor Sabo (Detroit Catholic Central) and freshman attack Tyler Vanschoick (Detroit Catholic Central) both returned to action Wednesday evening after missing several games due to lower body injuries. Sabo recorded a goal and Vanschoick scored three goals and had four assists on the night.

Freshman Joseph Catanese (Wheaton, IL) played the entire game in goal for the Spartans and recorded six saves.

The Spartans return to action in the CCLA Conference Tournament April 29 in Pittsburgh. Michigan State will play in either the 5:00 pm or 8:00 pm EDT semifinal game vs the CCLA's fourth ranked team.