For the second time this season, the Aurora University Spartans and Whittier College Poets matched up on the lacrosse field. AU defeated the Poets 12-8 and sweeping the season series.

GAME INFORMATION
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 12, Whittier College 8
RECORDS: Aurora University 9-2; Whittier College 8-3
LOCATION: Aurora, Illinois – Vago Field
LENGTH OF GAME:  1:56
WEATHER: 44 degrees and light rain
 
SPARTAN STARTING LINE UP:
Attack: Jason Koziol
Attack: Bailey Smith
Attack: Trevor McNamara
Midfield: Will Bradshaw
Midfield: Matt Smidlein
Midfield: Sam Hiss
Defense: Jon Glende 
Defense: Bryce Wallgard
Defense: Sean Arfsten
Goalie: Tyler Lombardi
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Spartans got on the board just eight seconds into the first quarter off of a laser from Trevor McNamara assisted by Matt Smidlein.
JK Torres would put the Spartans up 2-0 off an assist from Jason Koziol two minutes later.
Whittier would fight back to tie the game (2-2) with scoring back to back goals in just over a minute time.
AU would then go on a run of their own to finish the quarter with three unanswered goals from Matt Sammarco, McNamara (Bailey Smith) and, Smith. AU would lead 5-2 going into the second.
The Spartans picked up right where they left off scoring two quick goals Sammarco picked up his second of the day and Koziol would pick up his first giving the Spartans the 7-2 lead.
Whittier would score just once in the second quarter and AU would go into halftime leading 8-3.
The Poets came out and scored the first goal of the second-half but AU responded with tough defense allowing their offense to score two goals from Sammarco (Smith) and Koziol (Sammarco).
The Spartans led 10-4 going into the final quarter.
Whittier scored three unanswered goals in a span of 4:00 to close the gap 10-7.
AU responded with a well-designed goal from Alex Gebben assisted by Max Matthai midway through the fourth.
Whittier scored a minute later to bring the score to 11-8.
AU would seal the deal with a goal from Smith assisted from Torres with just over four minutes to play in the game.
AU would defeat the Poets 12-8.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS
Matt Sammarco had three goals and two assists
Bailey Smith had three goals and two assists.
Jason Koziol had two goals and one assist.
Trevor McNamara had two goals.
JK Torres had one goal and one assist.
Matt Smidlein was 11-of-16 at the face off dot and added an assist.
Tyler Lombardi had 7 saves in net.
 
SPARTAN TEAM LEADERS
Points: Matt Sammarco (5)
Goals: Matt Sammarco (3) Trevor McNamara, Bailey Smith and Jason Koziol (2)
Assists: Sammarco and Koziol (2)
Face offs: Matt Smidlein (11-of-16)
Ground balls: Matt Smidlein (7)
Caused Turnovers: Jason Koziol and Will Bradshaw (1)
Saves: Tyler Lombardi (7)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's lacrosse team comes on Saturday, April 16 when they host Beloit College. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. on Vago Field.