The Aurora University men's lacrosse team jumped out to a 6-0 lead after the first quarter and held on to defeat the visiting Eagles from Benedictine 10-7 on a gusty Wednesday night at Spartan Athletic Park.

GAME INFORMATION
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 10, Benedictine University 7
RECORDS: Aurora University 9-3 overall and 7-1 in the MLC; Benedictine University 8-4 overall and 6-2 MLC
LOCATION: Montgomery, Illinois - Spartan Athletic Park
 
SPARTAN STARTING LINE UP:
Attack: Josh Boyko
Attack: Harrison Canaday
Attack: Joseph Dey
Midfield: Ryan Griffin
Midfield: Josh Favorite
Midfield: Jameson Morrison
Defense: Jayden Silva
Defense: Bryce Wallgard
Defense: Sean Arfsten
Goalie: Phillip Gianelle
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Spartans came out on fire to start the game, scoring six unanswered goals to lead 6-0 after the first quarter.
- The highlight of the initial scoring onslaught came from leading scorer Josh Boyko who used a little smoke and mirrors to deceive the Benedictine goalie. The end result was a behind the back shot that got past the Eagle keeper.
- Spartan freshman Nic Kruzlic was on fire early as well, scoring twice early in the second for a hat trick and giving the Spartans an 8-1 lead.
- Penalties began to play a factor as AU found themselves on the man-down several times and allowed BU back in the game.
- Heading to halftime, AU led 8-4.
- The scoring slowed in the second-half with Kruzlic scoring both AU tallies, one each in the third and fourth.
- 13 penalties were called in the second-half as well as the teams went at each other in an important MLC contest.
- When the smoke cleared, AU was victorious, 10-7.

SPARTAN TEAM LEADERS
Points: Nic Kruzlic (5)
Goals: Nic Kruzlic (5)
Assists: Braden Toll (3)
Ground balls: Josh Favorite (6)
Caused Turnovers: Bryce Wallgard (6)
Saves: Phillip Gianelle (10)
 
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