SALT LAKE CITY – The Westminster men's lacrosse team pulled away in the second half in a 16-7 win over Utah Valley on Saturday afternoon at Dumke Field. The game counts as an exhibition for both teams and doesn't affect season records or stats.
 
"It was a competitive game," Westminster head coach mason Goodhand said after the win. "That is what we need right now. Give them credit for fighting hard and making us pay for mistakes."
 
Westminster put together another solid effort on the offensive end where they racked up 52 shots and put 31 of them on cage. They outscored Utah Valley 9-2 in the second half, including an 8-1 burst over the final 25 minutes.
 
Josh Holland led the Griffin attack with four goals and two assists. The senior fired 10 shots in the game. Cole Flinders also scored four goals while taking nine shots. Thomas Sarjeant had five points with two goals and three assists. Elias Fairman and Blake Bruner also scored two goals apiece.
 
"We saw our leadership stand up and say give me the ball," Goodhand said.
 
The Griffins limited UVU to 31 shots and the Wolverines only put 16 of them on goal. UVU had 21 turnovers to 19 from Westminster and the Griffins had a 38-25 edge in ground balls.
 
Philip Cannell earned the win in goal for the Griffins with seven saves and six goals allowed. Chase Flinders and Fairman tied for the team lead with two caused turnovers. Jake Berard won 12 of 18 faceoffs while Theo Davis was 6 of 8.
 
The Wolverines were led by three points – one goal and one assist – from Justin Haws. Shawn Rowley made 15 saves in defeat.
 
Westminster will now get set to play four games in six days. The first of that span is set for March 5 at Whittier College in Whittier Calif.