Both UNC and FLC were in high spirits despite Easter Sunday’s brutal weather – low clouds, temperatures hovering around 40, and spitting intermittent rain. Playing tough defense against the well Respected U. of Northern Colorado Bears, UNC pinged the first goal of the game half way into the first quarter. The Hawks quickly responded as hard playing middie Josh deGuzman rocketed the ball to darting attackman Andrew Allsup to even the score. With just 1 minute left in the quarter middie Drew Larson put the Hawks up 2-1 with a driving score.
With players streaked with mud, the Bears settled down into a well coordinated offense with many pinpoint passes to the crease to score 3 goals in the second quarter. Playing like a possessed beast, Drew Larson again drove from the middle to garner his second goal.
With the game tightly scored at 5-3 at the half, a major upset was within the FLC’s reach. Even with FLC’s midfield playing their best game of the year, UNC surged ahead with 6 third quarter goals. Attackman Kevin Harkey scored a scorching shot, and Drew Larson continued his rampage with two more driving goals in the third.
As conditions deteriorated into, the 4th quarter heralded brutal play as both teams slopped through numerous physical plays, and resultant penalties on the squishy turf. Throughout the resultant man-up opportunities, and the entire game, FLC’s attack couldn’t find their rhythm against the high pressure Bear defenders. UNC continued pulling away with 3 goals in the fourth. Drew Larson was the clear standout player of the day as he found the nets for his 5th goal of the game, and scooped up 7 ground balls, and won 9 faceoffs.
The Hawks travel to Grand Junction on May 5 to compete in their division playoffs.
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