Michigan State Goes Back-to-Back

LOVES PARK, Ill. – With a 14-8 victory over Minnesota at the Mercyhealth Sportscore Facility, Michigan State has won back-to-back Upper Midwest Lacrosse Conference (UMLC) championship.

With the victory, the Spartans have automatically qualified for the 2024 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance, which will be held at the Round Rock (Texas) Multipurpose Complex from May 6-11.

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In the quarterfinals, the Spartans defeated Iowa State, 13-7. Mason Rezanka and Vijay Foster contributed to the win, with both recording a hat trick. Goalkeeper Kaelan Bonner made 12 saves, while faceoff specialist Johnny Rioux dominated by winning 10-of-12 faceoffs.

Jack Neeson led the charge with three goals and an assist in the upset victory over No. 25 Indiana in the semifinals while Rezanka and Noah Luck also added three goals apiece. Rioux continued his dominance at the faceoff X, winning 19-of-27 draws and Bonner made 16 clutch saves.

In the finals against Minnesota, the Spartans faced an early deficit but rallied to claim a convincing 14-8 victory. Neeson (5g, 1a) and Ryan Murphy (2g, 1a).

Rezanka continued his stellar play with another hat trick and an assist. Rioux maintained control at the faceoff X with 16 wins out of 26 faceoffs. Bonner's solid goaltending performance (nine saves) anchored the Spartans' defense and sealed their championship win.

2024 UMLC D-I Tournament Results
Mercyhealth Sportscore – Loves Park, Ill.

First Round – Friday, April 19
#2E Purdue d. #3W Illinois, 12-11
#3E Michigan State d. #2W Iowa State, 13-7

Semifinals – Saturday, April 20
#1W Minnesota d. #2E Purdue, 13-4
#3E Michigan State d. #1E Indiana, 13-12

Finals – Sunday, April 21
#3E Michigan State d. #1W Minnesota, 14-8