(Photo by Kevin Schoonover)

ATLANTA - The Georgia Tech men's lacrosse team faced a pair of Tigers over the weekend and came away with quality two-game sweep.

The weekend started with a fierce contest between Tech and Auburn.

Tech entered the game undefeated while the Tigers used this game to open their 2021 season. Tech got on the board early after a barrage of shots, but the Tigers fought their way back.

Auburn capitalized on some sloppy play from the Jackets and took an 8-6 lead into the half. As they have done throughout the season, the Jackets strengthened their resolve in the second half.

Tech was able to take a 10-9 lead to close the third quarter. The fourth quarter belonged to Tech as they built their lead to the final margin of 14-9.

The next day the Jackets took on a different set of Tigers, this time from Clemson University.

Clemson was fresh off a victory over Liberty the day before that caught the eye of the MCLA fans around the country. Tech got on the board first once again before Clemson took the lead playing a highly energetic brand of lacrosse and beating the Jackets for most of the ground balls.

Tech closed the half with a run of their own and entered halftime down just one at 5-4.

The second half was a clash of wills with neither team willing to concede an inch to the opponent. Clemson scored again quickly to start the third quarter, but then Georgia Tech cranked up their intensity and was able to get the game tied at seven entering the fourth quarter.

After the teams traded goals early in the fourth quarter, the Yellow Jackets tightened the screws with their ride, holding the Tigers to a 2 for 7 clearing performance in the fourth quarter, which helped put increasing pressure on the Clemson defense.

This allowed the Tech offense to take over and close the game on a three goal run. The game was hard fought with great athletes on both teams.

The games were the final two games at home for the Georgia Tech class of 2021. These seniors made the MCLA national tournament in 2018 and 2019, making the semifinals in 2019.

Congratulations to all the 2021 seniors.