GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Colorado Mesa Mavericks (7-7, 2-2) celebrated the team's 11 seniors Saturday afternoon and ultimately fell to Westminster College (7-6, 4-0) by a score of 14-10. Senior Brandon Wilson led the team with three goals and recorded his fourth hat-trick of the season. Johnny Cary was good for another Maverick hat-trick as he also recorded three goals for the second time this season.
Jack Griffin and Brandon Wilson tied with a team high four points.
The Mavericks recorded two more shots than the Griffins (47-45) and won seven more face-offs (17-of-27) but committed four more turnovers (22-18) and were unsuccessful on four extra-man opportunities (2-of-6) compared to the Griffins 3-of-3 extra-man opportunities.
Westminster was able to score on two man-down opportunities and was successful on 24-of-28 clears. The Mavericks were perfect on clears recording 19-of-19.
Wilson quickly got things started by recorded the first goal of the game but was answered five minutes later by a Griffin goal from Kolton Atkinson who recorded six goals throughout the game for the Griffins. The game was again tied 2-2 by another Wilson goal. The Griffins finished the first quarter by scoring four goals and getting out to a 6-2 lead.
The Mavericks outscored the Griffins 3-1 during the second quarter as Griffin, Cary, and Wilson all recorded goals. The Mavericks let up one goal due to a man-up opportunity and trailed 7-5 at the break.
Carry got the Mavs within one goal after halftime on a man-up opportunity, but this was the closest the Mavericks would remain all game as they could never tie it up. After this the Griffins registered two man-up goals and snuck one by the Mavericks on a man-down situation.
Despite a three goal effort in the fourth quarter from the Mavericks they were unsuccessful in gaining a lead and were unsuccessful on 2:30 minutes of penalty time the Griffins were required to serve.
Next Up
The Mavericks will close out the season on the road and face Adams State and CSU-Pueblo April 26 and 28, respectively. The RMAC Tournament will take place May 3 and 4 at the RMAC regular season champion's home site.
