Thursday, November 12th 2009

By unknown

BEN ORR

SILHOUETTE STAFF

The McMaster men’s lacrosse team had their Cinderella run ended by the Brock Badgers, but still claimed CUFLA Baggataway Cup silver this past weekend. After advancing to the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association Final Four for the first time since 1992, the Marauders ran into an undefeated Badger team after upsetting Guelph and Trent.

After going 7-3 in the regular season, the Marauders entered the playoffs against the Gryphons, earning a thrilling, come-from-behind victory. Trailing 6-1 at half time, McMaster roared back.  Fuelled by three Mario Cupido (Hamilton, ON) goals, the men extended their season by claiming an incredible 10-8 victory, sending themselves to Carleton Raven Field for the CUFLA final four.

The Marauders would draw the no. 3 nationally ranked Trent Excalibur in the their semifinal, who had gone 8-2 on their 2009 campaign. Again, heroics would be necessary.

Facing another tough start and a 5-1 deficit at the half, the Marauders would rally, tying the game at seven with only five seconds remaining. In the second extra time period McMaster would again fall behind, needing two goals in 21 seconds to force triple overtime. Finally, McMaster third year attack Gavin Barrie (Peterborough, ON) sent his hometown Excalibur packing, scoring his second goal of the game.

After defeating McGill in the second semifinal, a confident Brock team would face McMaster in the championship.  A win would cap a 13-0 undefeated season for the Badgers.

In the final match of the year, McMaster found their role to be reversed.  Accustomed to coming from behind, the Marauders went up 3-1 early, only to have the Badgers fight back into the game, taking a 6-5 lead to the half.  Brock again won a tight third quarter, and despite winning the fourth, the Marauders would fall 12-11.

Kevin MacRory (Etobicoke, ON) was named player of the game for the Marauders, netting five goals and an assist on the day for 11 goals and three assists on the weekend. Tournament MVP honours went to Brock goaltender Brett Kikot (Toronto, ON).