GCU Lax Routs UCSD, Advances to SLC Semifinals

Saturday, April 28

GCU

7 p.m.

Grand Canyon

UC San Diego

Barton scored four as the 'Lopes advance to the SLC Semis.

4/28/2012 9:18:00 PM | Lacrosse

The Grand Canyon University lacrosse team opened Southwestern Lacrosse Conference play with a resounding 15-2 win over UC San Diego at GCU Field in Phoenix, Ariz.

The win improves the Antelopes’ overall record to 12-1 and sends them into a semifinal match-up with No. 1 seed, Biola. UCSD closes out their season with a 5-10 overall record.

After a scoreless six minutes to open the contest, GCU exploded for five goals to end the quarter. Carson Barton got the ‘Lopes on the board with a goal 6:16 into the game. Just 16 seconds later, Christian Abbott drove down the left side to score an unassisted goal to increase the advantage to 2-0. Brandon Knudson added his first of three goals with a tally 44 seconds after the Abbott strike. Cody Wagner and Barton then scored seven seconds apart to close out the opening frame.

The Antelopes outscored the Toreros 3-1 in the second quarter, scoring two goals in the opening 91 seconds. Kyle Bailey found the back of the net just 15 seconds into the second and was followed by Knudson’s second goal at 91 seconds.

GCU outscored UCSD 4-1 in the third on goals from Barton, Knudson, Kyle Mason and Freddie Martori.

The Antelopes scored three more in fourth, receiving goals form Wagner, Geoff Barnes and Matt Mountain.

Barton led all scorers with four goals. Mason finished with a goal and three assists.

Andrew Hunter picked up the win in his final home game at GCU. He made six saves on the evening.

Fred Whistle and Luciano DeDonatis led the ‘Lopes with three ground balls each.

GCU will now travel to San Diego, Calif. for its match-up with Biola on May 5 at Westview High School. The game is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Biola enters the semifinals with an 8-3 record, having won their last three straight and seven of their past eight. With a win, Canyon would advance to the SLC Championship to be played at 12:00 p.m. on May 6, also at Westview HS.