Spartans Set to Host Rival Davenport

Ralph Young Field and the No. 4 Michigan State Spartans will play host to rival No. 20 Davenport University in a key men’s lacrosse MCLA conference matchup.

The Spartans (9-2, 4-0) are currently a game ahead of the Panthers (6-3, 3-0) in the Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association Standings.

Davenport is on a two-game winning streak, with wins over then-No. 24 Minnesota-Duluth and Central Michigan University. The Spartans will look to extend their winning streak to 10 games over the Panthers.

The attack line for Davenport is strong, and all three average at least a goal and an assist per game, and at least three points per game. The Panthers come into Saturday’s matchup averaging nearly 12 goals per game.

Defensively for Davenport, junior goalie Kyle Hubbard has the top save percentage in the CCLA at 0.688. The Panthers give up 8.67 goals per game.

Michigan State won last year’s meeting 11-1, but this year’s squad looks to be the favorite to challenge the Spartans in the CCLA. This could be the game that decides who will win the conference regular season title.

With the high-powered attack both teams have shown they can generate this season, this could be an exciting and high-scoring affair.

Look for the Michigan State offense to get back on track after scoring only nine goals against Minnesota-Duluth this past Sunday. The nine-goal effort was the Spartans’ lowest since falling 8-7 against then-No. 1 Colorado State on March 7.

Game time is set for 7 p.m. on Ralph Young Field.


Tyler Beck is the host of Lax Attack for Impact Sports.

Photo: Jonathan Yales/Impact Sports