Air Force Academy
Denver
Falcons Win Season Finale Over Denver, 6-5
5/4/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
May 4, 2002
USAF, Colo. - (May 4) The Air Force men's lacrosse team won its final game of the season, defeating in-state rival Denver, 6-5, in a Great Western Lacrosse League (GWWLL) match. The Falcons used a five-goal third quarter to take the lead, then relied on its defense to secure the victory. Air Force improves to 4-8 overall.
"To hold a strong offensive team like Denver to just five goals is outstanding," head coach Fred Acee said. "Our defense was spectacular. Billy Arnold played as well in the cage today as he has in his entire career. I am proud of our entire team.
Arnold made 15 saves, including three in the final minute to secure the lead.
The Pioneers struck first, scoring the first goal just seven seconds into the game. Kevin Hill would tie the game four minutes later with an unassisted goal. It would be the final goal of the first quarter.
Denver would strike quickly again in the second quarter, as Matt Brown would score a goal 21 seconds in. It would be the only goal of the quarter, as the teams' defenses would shine.
With the Pioneers leading 2-1 heading into the third quarter, the Falcons offense caught fire. Four consecutive goals by Dave Brown, Greg Dangler, Nathan Koss and Kyle Warf would give the Falcons a three-goal lead. Denver's Eric Swanson would score to snap the Falcons string of goals, but Michael Colosimo would answer with a goal. The Pioneers pulled to within two goals, as Blake Evans scored at the end of the quarter.
Defense's would take control of the game in a low-scoring fourth quarter. Greer Hanlon would score a goal at the 11:30 mark of final quarter to pull the Pioneers to within one. But it was the only score of the stanza, and the Falcons would hold on for the victory.
Game Scoring
1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final
Denver 0 2 2 1 5
Air Force 1 1 2 3 8
SHOTS: AFA 23, Denver 41
GROUNDBALLS: AFA 32, Denver 38
SAVES: AFA - 15 (Arnold, 14); Denver - 8 (Nunziato, 8)
AIR FORCE 6, DENVER 5Game scoring summary
1st Quarter:14:53 - Scott Davidson, Denver10:15 - Kevin Hill, Air Force
2nd Quarter:14:39 - Matt Brown (Andrew Huelskoetter), Denver
3rd Quarter:11:01 - Dave Brown, Air Force10:41 - Greg Dangler (Brown), Air Force7:28 - Nathan Koss (Michael Colosimo), Air Force5:00 - Kyle Warf, Air Force4:34 - Eric Swanson (Chad Wittman), Denver3:55 - Michael Colosimo, Air Force2:57 - Blake Evans, Denver
4th Quarter:11:30 - Greer Hanlon (Blake Evans), Denver
