DENVER, Colo. – After falling behind 3-0 through 22 minutes, the Westminster men's lacrosse team staged a rally and came away with an 8-7 win over Missouri State in the opening round of the MCLA National Tournament. Westminster scored six of the next seven goals, including five in the third quarter, to open up an 8-5 advantage with 12:16 to play. Missouri State scored twice in the final 11 minutes to make the final margin just one before time expired.

Josh Condas came up large for the Griffins, scoring four goals and assisting on another. His second goal came with 20 seconds left in the first half to give the team some momentum heading into the break. Jacob Wayman cut the Missouri State lead to one when he scored his only goal with 12:13 to play in the third. Wayman also added three assists on the afternoon, including one to Condas with just 19 seconds left in the third. Dan Larkin scored the eventual game-winner with 12:16 left in the fourth on a pass from Rick Larkin.

“Our guys did a good job of staying focused even when they were behind 4-1,” head coach Mason Goodhand said. “They stuck with the game plan and stayed patient offensively.”

Dallas McLellan recorded several key saves in the fourth quarter to hold off the Missouri State charge. Gian Sexsmith and Dallin Hall also recorded goals for Westminster in the victory.

Mark Jasper tallied three goals while Brad Shearman finished with one goal and three assists for Missouri State. Nick King scored his goal with 2:42 to play to get his team within one, but Missouri State wouldn't score again.

Westminster advances to the quarterfinals where they will face St. Thomas on Wednesday, May 13. That game will be played on field seven at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park complex beginning at 4:00 p.m. St. Thomas beat Westminster 17-7 on February 27 of this season in the only other meeting between the two teams.